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Mi 



1/ 




LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. 
Shelf ..£..1.9 4 



UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 




Writings of 
i^ptJ^UF <2ox 



(DECEASED.) 



+ r AND + 



.1 

>j?oerx)s by 



Benja 

Introduction by 




BET. J. W. IiJpSEY, M- &• 



# 



Price: Clotli, 50 Cents. Embossed Paper, 35 Cents, Postpaid. 
For Sale by John Cox & Son, Lonoke, Arkansas. 



7y^?~^ 



# 



"DIPLOMA PRESS" 
Arkansas Democrat Co., Little Rock. 






°L 




This Book is 
p. Affectionately Dedicated 
^jlk To My Mother. 





Copyrighted 1894, by Benjamin Cox. 



■■■■• 




©<* tJje ^ieaisev* 




* 



HE majority of my brother's productions con- 
tained in this book were taken from the Regular 
Baptist, of Mexico, Mo., and other papers. I 
present them, together with my poems, to the 
public with the hope that the mantle of charity will' be thrown 
over all imperfections ; and praying that many of Zion's Pil- 
grims may find here a few crumbs of comfort ; also, that some 
hitherto careless and unconcerned ones may be constrained 
to pause and reflect upon the instability of all things per- 
taining to this mundane sphere. May such characters truly 
see that 

"It is not all of life to live, 
Nor all of death to die." 



The preparation of this memorial volume has been one of 
the saddest, yet, at the same time, one of the most pleasant 
duties of my life. Sad, because one has gone who, it 
seemed, was bound to me by ties almost indissoluble. 
Pleasant, in that I know of a truth he is, even now, realizing 
fully the joys of which he discourses in these articles now 
laid before you. 



Nothing akin to egotism prompts me to say that he was 
one of the best brothers ever given to a man, and I heartily 
thank God, that during his brief sojourn here we were almost 
constantly together. 

As is already known to many, my brother had just com- 
menced to preach the unsearchable riches of Christ and he 
assured me many times that he intended to make it the 
crowning ambition of his life. The finite mind says: "'Tis 
hard indeed for one to be so suddenly called away who 
showed so great talent in this and in many other directions." 
But God, whose ways are as far above ours as the heavens 
are higher than the earth, knows best. He has but trans- 
ferred him from labor to repose, from sorrow to joy, from 
standing watchman-like upon Zion's walls, to singing songs 
of praise in the New Jerusalem. 

Although our hearts are pained because 

We'll see him never here again, 
Still, blessed truth, we know for sure, 

That our sad loss is his great gain. 

Dear reader, let us unitedly pray that when the time 
comes for us to leave this earthly tabernacle, that, by the 
grace of God, we may be enabled to meet Arthur in the 
"land that is fairer than day," and there join with him and 
all the redeemed host in singing anthems of praise to Father, 
Son and Holy Ghost, throughout a blissful eternity. 
Most respectfully, 

Benjamin Cox. 



$Lntvobnction+ 



* 




\\\^foS men are known by their libraries so the tenden- 



cies of their minds may be discovered by their 
words, spoken or written. "Out of the abun- 
dance of the heart the mouth speaketh," said 
Christ. We "know the tree by its fruit." In the present 
volume the youthful author draws his psychological picture. 
You read the author in the book. The Sovereignty of God, 
Free Grace, Regeneration, Assurance, Prayer, Effectual 
Calling, Thirst for Righteousness, tell the contents of the 
heart of the deceased. Every article shows complete conse- 
cration to God. The highest act of man's life is implicit 
loyalty to creative power. He who yields to God is in 
harmony with all that is good. The key to this book is an 
abiding faith in a merciful Father and a crucified Redeemer. 
The author joins hands heartily with Job in the expression, 
"Though he slay me yet will I trust in him." As the 
thoughtful reader ponders these pages he will see the lights 
along the dark paths of this world which lead to heaven. 

For one of his age the author was fast coming to the 
front. His piety, natural abilities, social qualities and earnest 

v 



devotion to science, literature and theology, would have 
qualified him in a few years to have been classed in the front 
ranks of the most intelligent and the most useful men of his 
dav. But a Sovereign and merciful Father saw fit to change 
the human prospect of a bright youth into an early and 
heavenly possession. God never makes things worse for his 
children. It is better to be with Christ in the spirit world 
than a philosopher and a theologian on earth. 

This volume, though not intended by the author, is an 
unexpected monument erected among his many surviving 
friends. ■•Though dead he yet speaketh." The book will 
be the more highly appreciated by those who knew him best. 
The poems by the surviving brother. Benjamin Cox. which 
are contained in this volume, will be read with pleasure by 
many. -The New Jerusalem.''' • -Three Captives." "To 
my Mother," "To my Father." "Two Prayers." and others, 
will not fail to interest the readers. 

May the blessings of the Lord rest on the book. 

Rev. J. W. Lipsey. M. A. 

Lonoke. Ark.. Feb. 16. 1S94. 



5^vV 



i^E 





©rilmte to Jlrttjuv (&ox+ 






*,K "tj^HE voung mav die. the old must, said one of old. 
^\ and yet ofttimes the saying is changed and the 
physician turns himself from the bedside of the 
young with the painful verdict, -'He must die." 
Thus it was when after fearful inroads had been made upon 
his system, when human skill and human sympathy had 
spent itself in vain, the physicians were forced to announce 
to relatives and friends that Arthur Cox must die. Long 
and trying had been his sickness : now a turn for the better 
would inspire hope in the hearts of anxious watchers : now 
those about him were saddened to see that the coils were 
gradually, but surely tightening, and it was only a question 
of time when he must go. 

There is a cord of sympathy that seems to bind together 
those who live in a town, of which the inhabitants of the 
more populous city know but little ; thus, it seemed as if a 
pall had settled down upon the town of Lonoke, when the 
news went out that there was no longer any hope for Arthur. 
To those who knew him. it was not strange that each should 
lament his death, for he was a youth in whom the good so 
largely predominated that the evil, if evil there was. was 
known only to his God. 



Noting briefly his biography, Arthur Cox was born in 
Wellingborough, England, October 10, 1870. When but a 
lad his parents moved to this country, and soon his father 
was established in active business here. While accorded 
the advantages of a primary education, his opportunity for 
intermediate work was quite limited ; but with that zeal 
so characteristic of him in all he did, he applied himself 
to study at odd times while engaged in business with his 
father. At the age of 21, he entered the Lonoke High 
School, and graduated from that institution in May, 1893, 
with first honors. His conduct as a pupil was most ex- 
emplary, yielding cheerful obedience in all things to his 
teacher, and in his studies being all that could be desired. 
When the time came to decide to whom the honor of first in 
his classes should fall, as one voice it was said "To Arthur, 
by all means." But it was not alone in his school life that 
he was popular, socially he was attractive on account of that 
sense of refinement that kept him above the low and trivial, 
and made all feel that no contamination would result from 
association with him. 

In the summer of 1888, Arthur made a profession of re- 
ligion and joined the Baptist Church at this place. No fanat- 
icism marked his course as a member of the church, but, 
from his profession to the death hour, he endeavored to 
serve his God acceptably. His home surroundings were 
most pleasant, and no greater devotion could go out from 
parent to child than that of which he was the recipient. 

About a month ago, he was taken seriously ill, but owing 
to the prompt service of his physician and his strong consti- 
tution, he rallied from the disorder and seemed in a fair way 

viii 



to recover}-. New complications, however, arose, and the 
first trouble returned in aggravated form. It was not. how- 
ever, rill Monday evening that hope was abandoned, and all 
saw that the end was rapidly approaching. He had been 
delirious most of Monday, but toward the close of the day 
he became lucid and well did he utilize the few short hours 
left to him. Relatives and anxious friends were about his 
bedside, and to each he said a parting word. Calm, as in 
the midst of vigorous life, he spoke of his leaving, and his 
yearning was that the separation from each should only be 
temporal. Reader, his might be called a happy deathbed, 
and though he felt that he might have done more while here, 
he saw no cloud between him and a glorious future in the 
beyond. Almost the last effort of his life was to endeavor 
with broken utterances to sing • -Praise God from whom all 
blessings flow." but the vital force was too nearly expended, 
and with the second line of the glorious pean he fell asleep, 
to wake — does any one doubt where? While born in 
land and proud, as right he should be. of the grand name 
that she bore, of the mighty deeds that she had achieved. 
of the great men who sprang from her soil, he would :::e n 
lat his ambition was doubly satisfied, that he should be 
reared in America. 

The funeral services were conducted from the Lonoke 
Baptist Church by Dr. J. W. Lipsey. a man who held the de- 
parted in high esteem for his many virtues. Sorrowing 
friends joined the cortege in its march to the gravr 
there beneath the sod, on which were placed sweet flowers, 
the tribute of sad hearts, we left him. feeling tc say 
one of old --Let my last end be like his.** 

Prof. J. J. Doyne. 
Lonoke. Ark., Aug. 22. 1S93. h,:^^: 

ix 



Contents* 



* 



Writings : 

Page. 

A Friend at Court 26 

Anti-Missionaries 107 

A Storhi at Sea 158 

Beyond the Alps Lies Italy 151 

Bravery 162 

Christian Assurance 3 

Creeds 112 

Danger Ahead 124 

Debt 84 

Divine Justice 126 

Effectual Calling 12 

Failings of the Ancient Worthies ... 116 

Free Grace 32 

Free Will 38 

Good Works 87 

Hone 17 

Job 55 

Lord, What is Man 64 

Many Members— One Body 119 

Means Ordained of God 69 

Originality 136 

Pastors 101 

Pen Poiuts 129 

Prayer 21 

Should Children be Taught the Holy 
Scriptures 92 

Societies 109 

The Important Pilgrimage 9 

The New Birth 122 

The Suu Still Shines 127 

Thirst lor Righteousness 49 



Page. 

They Shall Come 77 

The Unchangeableness of God 42 

Undue Care 114 

Wages of Sin— Gift of God 91 

Remarks and Deatli : 

Additional Remarks, etc 166 

Memorial Services 170 

Poenis : 

A Glorious Invitation... 195 

David and Goliath 184 

Departed 178 

Eternity's Council 188 

Faith 175 

Great Faith 196 

Heirs of God 197 

Jehovah Jireh 1S5 

Once in Christ — In Christ Forever.. .192 

Security of the Saints 194 

Strength for Our Day 174 

The Bible 189 

The Christian's Desire 179 

The Grace of God 173 

The New Jerusalem 187 

The Pilgrim's Story 198 

The Three Captives 176 

To my Mother 190 

To my Father 191 

True Happiness 193 

Two Prayers 182 

What is Your Life 180 

Your Hearts are Sad 186 




L^. 



ptritiitga of ^xtljur QLox 



^i 



i. 




^#^lfe r 







ARTHUR COX. 




Christian Assurance, 

"Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days 
of my life : and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever." 
(Psalms xxiii :6.) 

David, in the preceding part of this precious psalm, 
enumerates some of the blessings of God, as much as to 
say, "since the Lord is my Shepherd, and has led me 
from the arid desert of depraved human nature to the 
verdant pastures and still waters of his unchangeable 
love; since, when I stray from the path of righteousness 
and go into sinful walks, he restoreth my soul, and 
guides me in the right way for his name's sake, 'Surely 
goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my 
life ; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. ' ' 

Past blessings are always a ground for the hope of 
future favor. As long as we meditate upon our deliver- 
ance from the City of Destruction, we will never be 
confined in doubting castles; we may have some un- 
pleasant wanderings through the wilderness, but, like 



4 Writings of Arthur Cox. 

the children of Israel, we shall at last surely pass into 
the Promised Land. How encouraging it must have 
been for God's ancient people, while journeying from 
Egypt to Canaan, to look back and think over the 
mighty deeds of deliverance which were performed in 
their behalf. 

They were not without their seasons of doubting. 
Upon every side they were surrounded by tribes inimical 
both to themselves and to their God. Difficulties would 
come upon them, and at times, doubtless, they thought 
that after all, their days would be ended upon the bar- 
ren land this side the Jordan, and the country flowing 
with milk and honey be left for the enemies of Israel. 
It was in these times of weakness in the faith, that their 
hopes would be brightened, their strength renewed, and 
their confidence restored by a retrospective view. How 
could they consistently fear that God would forsake 
them in the wilderness after he had brought them with 
a high hand and a stretched out arm from under the 
galling yoke of Pharaoh's oppression? For their sake 
water had been turned to blood, cattle had been killed 
by the thousand, plague after plague had been sent 
upon the Egyptians; yea, even the first born of every 
house had been slain. For their deliverance, the waters 
of the Red Sea rolled back and towered heavenward 
like mighty mountains, while they passed through dry- 
shod. For their assurance, the pillar of cloud by day 



Writings of Arthur Cox. 5 

and of fire by night went before them, guiding them and 
telling them that God was still with them. Whenever 
they thought upon these manifold blessings, of course 
they could but be assured that, although their trials 
were many, yet their weary feet would, by and by, tread 
the longed for soil of Canaan. And sure enough the 
history of their journey through the wilderness is but a 
story of the unalterable love and ineffable mercy of a 
gracious God to a rebellious and stiff-necked people. 
The same loving care which was about them while in 
bondage, causing them to thrive, notwithstanding their 
great oppression, followed them and when want stared 
them in the face, rained down manna from heaven. 

The same miraculous power which did so much for 
them in Egypt, was with them on their journey and 
caused a cragged rock to give forth gushing streams 
with which they quenched their famishing thirst. And 
the selfsame hand which, as it were, grasped the waters 
of the Red Sea and dashed them back, led them to the 
banks of the Jordan, caused one of the laws of nature 
to be for a time reversed, that water no longer sought 
its level, and the hosts of the Israelites passed into the 
land of long-anticipated pleasure. 

Now, beloved, we too, as did David, can make all 
the past mercies of our lives the foundation upon which 
to rear the superstructure of Christian assurance and 
strong faith. 



6 Writings of Arthur Cox. 

We have been the slaves of a more despotic tyrant 
than Pharaoh ever dared to be. The Egyptian King 
had seasons of softness of heart, to some degree, when 
he would promise to let the children of Israel go free, 
but our former master, the prince of darkness, knows no 
softness of heart. Our deliverance from the thralldom 
of Satan is even more an act of grace than the emanci- 
pation of Israel, because we were freed from eternal 
distress. The slavery of the Israelite ended at the 
grave, but death has no power to sever the chains which 
fetter the servants of sin. 

If any poor doubting soul should read this, I would 
ask him to think over the great mercy of God in calling 
him from darkness to light. Would it not be very 
strange indeed if God should give up his people for 
their weakness and sin, after he has plucked them as 
brands from the burning? When he first blessed us 
with the regenerating power of his spirit, not only did 
we tread the unhallowed paths of sin, but we did not 
even desire a holier life. We were contented with our 
iniquitous walk and did not want the man, Christ Jesus, 
to reign over us. Now/since God came to us in that 
state of flagrant rebellion, opened our eyes that we 
might look with disgust at the slime in which we were 
wallowing, renewed our wills to make us desire the ser- 
vice of God, and unstopped our ears, causing us to listen 



Writings of Arthur Cox. 7 

with keen delight to the glorious symphonies of redeem- 
ing love, he will not now cast us off. 

If almighty grace followed us into unholy walks and, 
when we sought it not, constrained us to follow the 
path of peace, surely that grace will not forsake us now. 

You will notice that David felt that there was no 
uncertainty, whatever, connected with this subject. He 
does not say maybe, perhaps, or possibly, but surely. 
It was, with him, a settled fact that goodness and mercy 
should follow him. Many seem to delight in twisting 
this text and represent, not goodness and mercy as fol- 
lowing us, as did David, but us as following goodness 
and mercy. I do not wonder at all, that those who 
look at it from this standpoint, hold to the doctrine of 
final apostacy, for if our preservation depended primarily 
upon our steadfastness, we would certainly fail, but 
thank God, it depends upon the constancy of a being 
whose love is without variation, the same yesterday, 
to-day and forever. We may still tune our harps and 
join the whole church militant in singing: 

"Blest truth! the church and Christ are one, 
In bonds the most secure ; 
No separation can be known, 
While endless years endure. 

No separation ! cheers my heart, 

And bids my fears subside ; 
My soul and Jesus cannot part, 

For me he lived and died. 



8 Writings of Arthur Cox. 

No separation! precious thought, 

Then Christ is with me here ; 
And home to heaven I must be brought, 

For Jesus Christ is there." 

David's assurance is far-reaching, not only is he 
assured that goodness and mercy shall follow him all 
the days of his life, but he is also confident that he will 
dwell in the house of the Lord forever. His faith, as it 
were, takes wings, transports him to the summit of 
Pisgah, and there, with rapture, he looks at the beautiful 
scenes of Canaan, meditates upon the certainty of his 
hope, and says, " surely I shall dwell in the house of the 
Lord forever." Oh, what assurance for a poor worm 
of the dust there is in the Christian religion ! 

Language lies before us dormant, as if shorn of its 
power, when we attempt to picture to the mind the 
ravishing joy, the godly steadfastness, and the unflag- 
ging zeal of every soul who can, from the heart, say with 
the Psalmist of Israel: "Surely goodness and mercy 
shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell 
in the house of the Lord forever." 



Writings of Arthur Cox. 9 

©he gimpovtani pilgrim a$z+ 

Much has been both written and said, regarding pil- 
grimages- to different places of interest, and by some 
classes a great deal of importance is attached to jour- 
neys made to notable spots mentioned in the Bible. It 
occurs to me, however, that those who believe that 
there is virtue in traveling to the Holy Land and visit- 
ing places where important scenes in biblical history 
were enacted, have caught the shadow for the substance, 
have taken the natural for the spiritual, and, instead of 
feasting upon the kernel of the nut, they are trying to 
extract nourishment from the shell. 

Now there is a pilgrimage which cannot fail to pro- 
duce good, and that is the 

PILGRIMAGE OF FAITH. 

Whenever our cares weigh heavily upon us, oh, how 
sweet to go upon this journey ! When troubles stare 
us in the face, how refreshing to mount upon the wings 
of faith, and flying, as it were, over the ages of the past, 
to settle upon the brow of Calvary and see the immac- 
ulate Son of God paying our debt and freeing us from 
the bondage of sin ! It is quite beneficial for anyone, 
especially if at all indisposed, to visit some health re- 



10 Writings of Arthur Cox. 

sort and recuperate both strength and energy. In like 
manner our inner or spiritual man often needs recrea- 
tion, and this can always be had by a visit to that 
grandest of all spiritual health resorts — Calvary. 

Does Satan hurl at us the arrows of doubt, until we 
almost succumb? Then let us turn our eye of faith to 
the cross, and if we can realize that it was the weight 
of our sins that helped to press Christ down, if we can 
feel that, "he was wounded for our transgressions, he 
was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our 
peace was upon him," then we can have the blessed 
assurance of knowing that it is with his stripes we are 
healed; and in viewing the wonders of redeeming love 
which prompted the Jewel of the Celestial City to ex- 
change his crown of power for one of thorns, and give 
up the felicity of heaven for the agony of the cross, we 
will be encouraged to count no sacrifice too great for us 
to make for the cause of our Master, and we will esteem 
no task too arduous to undertake if God commands. 

One of the sweetest things connected with this pil- 
grimage of faith, is that no matter how many cares 
and worries we may take with us, we need bring none 
of them away. As John Bunyan's Pilgrim lost his load 
of sin at the cross, so every soul is benefited by a rest 
under its shadow. 

There are numbers of God's children so poor that 
they can never hope to see, with their natural eyes, the 



Writings of Arthur Cox. 11 

land of Palestine; but it is a precious truth that no soul 
is too weak, physically, or too indigent to make this 
pilgrimage under consideration. The train of faith is 
free alike to the pauper and the millionaire \ the peasant 
and the monarch, the bond and the free. 

Reader! Have you been to the cross, and felt in 
your own soul the cleansing power of the efficacious 
blood of Christ? Have your iniquities been washed 
away in the great fountain opened for uncleanness? If 
not, my earnest prayer is that God may bring you to 
see Jesus as the great burden-bearer of his people. 




3fe» 



'V^ 



12 Writings of Arthur Cox. 

(Bffectxtal Calling* 

* 

"Whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he 
justified, them he also glorified." (Rom. viii:3o.) 

The precious doctrine of "Effectual Calling" has 
ever been contended for by all true regular Baptists. 
Paul, all through his writings plainly teaches this truth, 
but it seems when he penned his epistle to the Romans 
he was especially particular to show the importance 
and in every instance the efficient work of the Spirit of 
God in regeneration or effectual calling. Not one of 
the inspired writers has any use whatever for the mod- 
ern idea of the ineffectual work of the Spirit of the 
living God. The Scripture under consideration plainly 
shows that the calling of God is always followed by 
justification through the imputed righteousness of 
Christ, and glorification at the right hand of the Maj- 
esty on high; for, "whom, he called, them he also justi- 
fied: and whom he justified, them he also glorified." 

Notwithstanding the fact that the Scriptures are so 
positive on this point, yet many who claim to be 
guided by this precious Book of truth will tell us that 
God's Spirit can be quenched or grieved from the heart 
never more to return. The advocates of this error will. 



Writings of Arthur Cox. 13 

in summing up the lives of a Christian and an ungodly 
person, say that "the one had quenched the Holy 
Spirit, the other had received it." Such can indeed 
sing with the poet : 

••The Spirit, oh sinner, in mercy doth move. 

Thy heart so long hardened, of sin to reprove. 
Resist not the Spirit, no longer delay. 

God's gracious entreaties may end with to-day." 

But they cannot agree with Paul when he said, 
"Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath 
begun a good work in you, will perform it until the day 
of Jesus Christ." 

If the difference between the believer and the im- 
penitent were caused by the one receiving the Holy 
Spirit, and the other quenching it, then we could sur- 
prise Paul by telling him in answer to his question, 
"Who hath made thee to differ from another, and 
what hast thou that thou didst not receive?" that man, 
by receiving the Spirit of God, causes himself to differ 
from others thus giving man the honor and glory 
which should be ascribed alone to the sovereign and 
distinguishing grace of Jehovah. 

Our dear departed brethren who formulated the 
precious old Philadelphia Confession were well estab- 
lished in this glorious truth. In chapter x, first sec- 
tion, we find this language, "Those whom God had 
predestinated unto life, he is pleased in his appointed 



14 Writings of Arthur Cox. 

and accepted time effectually to call by his word and 
Spirit, out of that state of sin and death, in which they 
are by nature, to grace and salvation by Jesus Christ: 
taking away their heart of stone, and giving unto them 
an heart of flesh: renewing their wills, and by his al- 
mighty power determining them to that which is good, 
and effectually drawing to Jesus Christ; yet so, as they 
come most freely, being made willing by his grace." 

In the above we see that while the dear old brethren 
were firmly grounded in the truth of the effectual call 
of God, yet they clearly state that the Ruling Hand of 
heaven works in grace as in nature with such means as 
he chooses ; the language is also beautiful with regard 
to every one who is caused by the Spirit of God coming 
to Jesus freely, and so it is, there is no arbitrary forcing 
of the mind. Hence we read in the Scriptures, "Who- 
soever will, let him come and take of the water of life 
freely." The willingness to come to Christ for mercy 
and pardon is not the cause of the Spirit working in the 
heart, but rather the effect. The effectual call of God 
is always followed by hungering and thirsting after 
righteousness and a willingness to give up all for an in- 
terest in the efficacious blood of Jesus. 

To avoid error regarding the calling of God, a nice, 
yet clear, distinction must be made between the out- 
ward, or natural call, which is made to every one who 
listens to the preaching of God's eternal truth, and the 



Writings of Arthur Cox. 15 

effectual call in which the Spirit of God is concerned, 
entering the heart and renewing the will, and which is 
personal, effecting only those for whom Jesus shed his 
precious blood. Now the effectual call does not in the 
least make the general call of no effect, but it many 
times goes with the latter making it personal and ef- 
fectual. The written and preached word of God is 
sufficient of itself to furnish everything necessary to 
salvation, were it not that man is totally depraved, 
completely dead in trespasses and sins; but as this is 
the case, something else is required, ere the truth ol 
God be received ; the heart of stone must be taken 
away and the whole soul changed by that almighty 
power which can only produce this miraculous transfor- 
mation. Yet, it is a precious truth that the effectual 
call keeps no one from Jesus, it simply makes salvation 
certain for a countless multitude, and whoever feels a 
desire for Christ, whoever has a hungering and thirsting 
after righteousness, has good evidence that his heart 
has been renewed by the Spirit of the living God, who 
doeth all things well. 

If. a man is hungry he must be alive. There are 
two things a lifeless man never does, i. e. he never hun- 
gers or knows that he is dead. Many natural men will 
tell us that they believe in total depravity and realize 
that they are dead in trespasses and sins, but such be- 
lief must be very flimsy and such realization awfully 



16 Writings of Arthur Cox. 

shallow, because, if they really knew their condition 
they would hasten at once to the cross of Jesus where 
pardon and mercy are freely bestowed upon all who 
truly feel their need of salvation. 

The poet beautifully sums up the important matter 
of effectual calling in the following verses : 

"Christ's sheep by nature know not God, 

They follow sin by choice ; 
But he hath told us in his word, 

That all shall hear his voice. 

They must be brought to know their God 

And turn their backs on sin ; 
For Christ hath told us in his word, 

That he must bring them in. 

They must be brought, because their sins 

Were on the Savior laid, 
If they be lost, he'll lose his ends, 

In vain their debt be paid. 

They must be brought by sov'reign grace 

To love the Savior here ; 
They must be brought before his face, 

To dwell forever there. 

The Father gave them to his Son, 

To ransom from the fall ; 
And when the Savior's work is done, 

He must produce them all." 

My earnest prayer to God is, that he may cause 
many more to understand the beauties of the subject of 
this article by working it in their hearts. 



Writings of Arthur Cox. 17 



©ope. 

We are told by inspiration that "hope is an anchor 
of the soul;" now, all are familiar with the uses of the 
anchor of a ship. An anchor of itself is of little use, 
there must also be anchorage, something of which it 
may take hold and thus keep the ship securely tied. 

This simile is filled with beauty, especially to those 
who have stood upon the beach or the vessel, and seen 
the use of the anchor demonstrated. 

The waves may rise like mountains, the winds 
'threaten to dash the ship to destruction, but if the an- 
chorage is good, the vessel is held in her place. Good 
anchorage, however, is not always to be found; some- 
times the crew will let down the anchor, and perhaps 
for miles the ship will float before the wind, because 
there is nothing which it can grasp. 

But it is not so with our spiritual anchor, hope; be- 
cause our anchorage is the covenant promises of God 
in Christ Jesus which are always sure. 

"His promise is yea and amen, 
And never was forfeited yet." 

If we are anchored in this rock, the waves of temp- 
tation may roar like thunder about us, the wind of per- 
secution may blow like a hurricane upon us, still we 



18 Writings of Arthur Cox. 

shall stand the storm, and come off more than conquerors 
through him that loved us and gave himself for us. 

What was it, but heavenly hope, than enabled 
Stephen to pray for his enemies even while the cruel 
stones were being hurled by them, and were crushing 
out his very life? What, but this same anchor of the 
soul, caused the great Apostle to the Gentiles to endure 
so much for the cause of Christ? In like manner, many 
of the martyrs of the dark ages suffered death rather than 
deny the Lord, because this same strong hope caused 
them to realize that, when this body was destroyed, they 
would have a building of God, in which they would 
dwell forever, and bask in the refulgent rays of that glo- 
rious Sun of Righteousness which knows no setting." 

In Rom v:5, Paul says that f 'Hope maketh not 
ashamed" and he indeed lived out this grand truth. 
See him ! as he is called before the high priest, Ananias, 
to answer for preaching the unsearchable riches of Christ ; 
if you wish to behold one who knew no fear of man. 
Hear him ! after Ananias had commanded those who 
stood by to smite him on the mouth, declare to this in- 
human monster, with boldness which comes only from 
divine hope, "God shall smite thee, thou whited wall: 
for sittest thou to judge me after the law, and com- 
mandest me to be smitten contrary to the law?" 

Again, behold him ! Before Felix, the Procurator 
of Judea, making his defense in such eloquent language, 



Writings of Arthur Cox. 19 

and with so great boldness that "as he reasoned of 
righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, 
Felix trembled, and answered, "Go thy way for this 
time; when I have a convenient season I will call for 
thee." Paul then, of all men had cause to say, "Hope 
maketh not ashamed." And why is this? Why is it 
that these in whose hearts dwells this strong hope, 
though they in themselves are weak, though they may 
be, as it were, the very lowliest of earth, can stand 
before princes and mighty rulers, and with remarkable 
boldness declare the truth, though they know it is offen- 
sive to their hearers. The reason is simply this: hope, 
the anchor of their soul, is clinging, with never ceasing 
tenacity, to that anchorage which fails not, the sure 
promises of God. 

They know that persecutors can only harm the 
body, that if they strive their uttermost against them 
all they can do is to transfer them from this terrestrial 
land, where sorrows are wont to come, to that blessed 
abode of all the redeemed, Fair Beulah Land. Hope 
is also quite an important part of our Christian armor; 
therefore, "Let us who are of the day be sober, putting 
on the breastplate of faith and righteousness ; and for 
an helmet, the HOPE of salvation." 

Satan may hurl at us the arrows of doubt, but when- 
ever they strike this impenetrable helmet, the hope of 
salvation, they fall back with points dulled. In other 



20 Writings of Arthur Cox. 

words when temptations to doubt our acceptance with 
God, or even, at times, to doubt the very existence of 
a Supreme Being come upon us, if in our heart dwells 
this strong hope of salvation, our soul will rebuke the 
tempter, saying, "Get thee behind me Satan." And 
the wily one will be thwarted in his designs. Kind 
reader, do you feel, deep down in your heart, this 
strong hope, establishing you upon the unchangeable 
promises of God? Can you say with Paul, "For we 
know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were 
dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not 
made with hands, eternal in the heavens?" If so, you 
have cause indeed to "Rejoice in HOPE of the glory of 
God." But if you are among that number who, not 
only cannot answer affirmatively, but who have no par- 
ticular desire to do so, let me beseech you to meditate 
upon your real standing. You are truly, "without God, 
and without HOPE in the world." You may have 
worldly hope, but that, in a large measure, will be 
thwarted. The air castles which you are erecting with 
such magnificent splendor, will, some day, lie in ruins 
at your feet, and you will then be a sad spectacle of 
disappointment. 

My earnest prayer is that God will, even now, cause 
you to see that no hope but that which is as the anchor 
of the soul, is sure of fulfillment and worthy of our 
whole trust. 



Writings of Arthur Cox. 21 

"Pray without ceasing." (I. Thess. v:i7.) 

Paul, in writing his epistle to the Church at Thessa- 
lonica, realized that the dependence of every Christian 
would ever be in the eternal strength of God, hence he 
exhorted them , " To pray without ceasing. ' ' 

The privilege of holding communion with the Su- 
preme Ruler of the universe is one of the grandest 
gifts bestowed upon fallen man. It was a wonderful 
blessing to be allowed, as the Israelites were, to give 
their petitions to the priests, who interceded for them 
in the presence of God in the Holy of Holies; but we 
may rejoice over a much greater blessing in that we 
only have the privilege of being found often at the 
throne of grace, communing directly with God, but are 
exhorted, to pray without ceasing. 

There are many reasons why we should heed the 
words of our text and frequently unbosom ourselves to 
God ; but it occurs to me that the two most important 
are creature need and Creator fullness. It requires no 
decree of logical reasoning to prove to the grace- 
taught soul his helplessness, because he feels it deep 
down in his heart. The very moment one is convicted 



22 Writings of Arthur Cox. 

of sin he realizes his own weakness and utter inability 
to keep the law of the Lord without strength from 
above: in fact his Christian experience opens with the 
prayer, "God be merciful to me a sinner." And even 
after we, like Bunyan's Pilgrims, come to the cross, 
where our burdens roll away, and that sweet, ineffable 
peace, which passes understanding, fills our souls, we 
are, in ourselves, as weak as we have ever been. And 
if we do not avail ourselves of the blood-bought privi- 
lege of close communion with God, our Christian life 
will lack that brightness which characterizes all who 
bask in the refulgent rays of the sun of righteousness. 
That God is able to help, is evident from the per- 
fection of his attributes ; all things in nature proclaiming 
his power and sovereignty. And that he is willing to 
help us, is equally evident from the teaching of his 
precious word. In the prophecy of Isaiah he says, 
"And that shall come to pass that before my people 
call, I will answer, and while they are yet speaking I 
will hear." God waits to be gracious to his people: in 
fact we cannot extol his name more than by supplicat- 
ing for grace to help in every time of need, and for 
strength to live in active Christian life. Let us never 
weary in prayer, because our petitions are apparently 
unanswered; for, many times, if our requests were 
granted unto us in the manner we expect it would be to 
our spiritual detriment. Often, when we feel inclined 



Writings of Arthur Cox. 23 

to believe that our prayers are slighted, God is giving 
us far greater blessings in disguise. 

The early Christians doubtlessly importuned God, 
long and earnestly, that he would own his truth, and 
cause the church to grow and flourish among the na- 
tions. How was their prayer answered? All who are 
familiar with church history will call to mind that per- 
secutions came upon them thick and fast: in fact, Rome, 
the most powerful empire of the world, seemed, for a 
time, to devote her whole energy in trying to extermi- 
nate Christianity. Now, by this very persecution God 
had ordained the prosperity of the church. For every 
one who suffered martyrdom many others were raised 
up to take his place: and the saints, unable to remain 
long in any country, wandered into different lands, car- 
rying with them the sweet story of Jesus and his cross: 
thus, as it were, scattering the seed of the Gospel to 
the four winds of heaven to be planted among the dif- 
ferent nations of the world. 

Every time we receive a blessing from prayer we 
should be strengthened thereby, and it should encour- 
age us to throw ourselves more frequently upon the 
favor of God. It is related of Philip Henry that, after 
he had been engaged in prayer for two of his children, 
that were dangerously ill, he made the following remark, 
"If the Lord will be pleased to grant me this, my re- 
quest in regard to my children, I will not say as the 



24 Writings of Arthur Cox. 

beggars at our door used to do, 'I'll never ask any- 
thing of him again,' but, on the contrary, he shall hear 
oftener from me than ever!" 

Another great encouragement to prayer should be 
that it is not dependent upon any external circum- 
stances. The most indigent person in his humble cot- 
tage can enjoy this great boon as much as the most op- 
ulent in his magnificent palace. The orator, who 
clothes his thoughts in brilliant eloquence, may, on ac- 
count of his rhetorical attainments, have great power 
with men, but, when we approach the throne of grace, 
eloquence avails us naught: the most important ques- 
tion should be, "Is the prayer heartfelt?" We may 
scarcely be able to express ourselves, our language may 
be poor, our English faulty, yet, if our petition be born 
upon the wings of faith, God will give us audience and 
bless us. The noted dreamer, John Bunyan, said, 
"The best prayers have in them more groans than 
words." 

Many Christians will not pray in public because 
they think too much about their earthly hearers, and 
not enough about God. They are afraid that they can- 
not use fine language in their supplications, and in con- 
sequence will not exercise this most valuable of all 
Christian gifts. Such persons seem to forget that 
prayer is for God's ear and not for men's. No harsher 
criticism could be passed upon anyone, than was passed 



Writings of Arthur Cox. 25 

upon a certain Boston preacher, when it was said that 
he offered up very eloquent prayers to his congrega- 
tion. When we bow in supplication to God, even 
though it be before a large audience, we should pray 
as though no eye were upon us save that omniscient one 
above, and no ear listening but that, which is ever open 
to the cries of the needy. 

Oh !« that we maybe aroused to the full enjoyment of 
the precious privilege of going to God in prayer, with 
all our failings, burdens, and cares, casting them all at 
Jesus' feet, and receiving in return pardoning love, new 
strength, and brighter hopes. 

"And wilt thou still in silence lie, 

When Christ stands waiting for thy prayer? 

My soul, thou hast a friend on high, 
Arise, and try thine interest there. 

If pain afflict, or wrongs oppress, 

If cares distract, or fears dismay ; 
If guilt deject, if sin distress ; 

The remedy's before thee-pray. 

'Tis prayer supports the soul that's weak, 

Though thoughts be broken, language lame ; 

Pray, if thou canst or canst not speak, 
But pray with faith in Jesus name. 

Depend on him, thou canst not fail, 

Make all thy wants and wishes known ; 

Fear not, his merits must prevail ; 

Ask what thou wilt, k shall be done." 



26 . Writings of Arthur Cox. 

$, gvieni* at ©mtrU 

* 

Many who live under this republican form of gov- 
ernment do not fully appreciate the significance of the 
words, "A Friend at Court." This term is fraught 
with meaning, in any monarchy, at this age, but it was 
especially significant a few hundred years ago, when the 
head of the court had almost absolute power. Jeoffrey 
Chaucer, the morning star of English poesy, was pros- 
perous as long as his friend, John of Gaunt, was at 
court, but after the latter's death, he lived in what 
may be termed comparative poverty. 

Edmund Spenser, one of the illustrious writers of 
the Elizabethan Period, was in humble circumstances 
while young. This is evident from the fact that in 1569 
he went to Pembroke Hall, Cambridge, in the humble 
capacity of Sizar. His first important production, 
"The Shepherd's Calendar," was dedicated to Sir Philip 
Sydney, who brought him into the favor of the Earl of 
Leicester; and through the influence, at court, of this 
earl, he received an appointment in Ireland, and later 
was made the recipient of an estate, near Cork, of up- 
wards of 3,000 acres. Numbers of instances could be 
cited, proving beyond a doubt, the value of a friend at 
court. 



Writings of Arthur Cox. 27 

A young Englishman, in humble circumstances, 
cherishes, in his heart, a hope that some day he will 
acquire a finished education, and to this end directs all 
his energy and power. Now, if he has a friend who 
has influence with the Queen, I doubt not that the doors 
of either Oxford or Cambridge will, in due time, be 
thrown open for his admission. 

We have briefly considered our subject, as applying 
to earthly courts, which are often corrupt ; and to human 
friends, who are, at best, but changeable creatures. 
We wish now to notice it in a higher sense; that is, as 
it applies to the Court of Heaven, where corruption is 
unknown, and, to a Friend who, at all times, sticketh 
closer than a brother. In some instances, a friend at 
an earthly court bears a striking resemblance to Jesus' 
intercession for us in that Celestial Court in the New 
Jerusalem. But in many respects the former fails to 
illustrate the latter. 

i. A friend at court is not always heard in his 
petitions by the monarch. It needs no evidence to prove 
this ; all who are familiar with human nature know that 
such must be the case. But oh how vastly different is 
it with the intercession of Jesus at the Court of Heaven ! 
No unheard petition is presented by our Great High 
Priest. He has but to make known his requests and 
they are immediately granted. What an encourage- 
ment this should be for us, to bring all our cares and 



28 Writings of Arthur Cox. 

sorrows to the foot of the cross, and ask our glorious 
Advocate to give us all needed grace and strength. No 
stronger incentive to prayer can be found, than that 
Jesus, our Almighty Friend at Heaven's Court, takes 
our petitions, which are offered in faith, stamps them 
with his approva 1 , and presents them to the Father, who 
will never fail to honor and grant every wish of his only 
Begotten Son. The poet, Mart, has beautifully said: 

"The Christian's heart this prayer indites, 
He speaks as prompted from within ; 
The Spirit his petition writes, 
And Christ receives and gives it in." 

2. We may, one day, have a friend at court and 
the next day he may be our enemy . This is caused by 
the changeableness of man, the state of whose affection 
is altogether dependent upon external circumstances. 
But, blessed be God, the love of Jesus knows no varia- 
tion. If we can, at any time, lay claim to having Christ 
as a friend, we may rest assured that his friendship will 
never be turned to hatred, for in Malachi we read, "I 
am the Lord, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob 
are not consumed. ' ' It is truly a very consoling thought 
for the child of God to realize that the love of Jesus to 
his bride is unalterable. As the poet, Medley, says: 

"Often I feel my sinful heart, 
Prone from my Jesus to depart ; 
But though I oft have him forgot, 
His loving kindness changes not." 



Writings of Arthur Cox. 29 

"Having loved his own which were in the world, he 
loved them unto the end," is a sweet morsel upon which 
the doubting soul may feast. Numbers of passages of 
Scripture might be quoted, clearly showing that our 
precious Immanuel is, in his love to his people, the 
same yesterday, to-day and forever. True, his dealings 
with them are not always the same, because the same 
course of action would not always be for the best. 
Sometimes he leads us, as he did Moses, to the top of 
Pisgah's height, where we, in rapture, gaze across the 
Jordan into the fair and happy land of Canaan. Then 
again we are permitted to tread the gloomy vale of 
Achor where there are chilly streams of tribulation and 
affliction through which we must wade. But notwith- 
standing this, it is always the same immutable love and 
infallible wisdom that directs our steps throughout life's 
journey. 

3. A friend at court may be, at any time, removed 
by the hand of death. The high and low are alike, 
liable to be snatched away by the ruthless hand of death. 
A person may have some long cherished ambition, in 
which he will be successful if he has the favor of the 
monarch of the country of his citizenship. Now, sup- 
pose that this person has a friend at court, who is held 
in such high esteem by the head of the government that 
nothing for which he asks will be denied. Further, 
suppose that this friend at court is so true in his affec- 



30 Writings of Arthur Cox. 

tions, that there is no danger, whatever, of his turning 
his back upon his favorite, or of his refusing to endeavor 
to bring him into the notice of the monarch. Even 
then, just as the good will of the head of the court is 
about to be secured, his representative may die, and 
thus all his hopes be blighted. But, thank God, death 
hath no more dominion over our glorious Advocate, the 
Lord Jesus Christ. When he burst the bonds of the 
tomb in triumph, he placed forever the power of death 
under his feet. Centuries may follow each other with 
stately tread, but still the King of kings will continue to 
plead in behalf of his redeemed. Yea, ages may come 
and go, yet the children of Zion can ever feelingly say, 
"He ever liveth at the right hand of God to make inter- 
cession for us." 

Fellow pilgrim, does it not cause your soul to 
o'erflow with gratitude to know that although life's 
path is ofttimes steep and rugged, and your cares occa- 
sionally make you feel that you are almost forsaken ; yet, 
you still have a friend at court? Yes, a true friend! 
one who has declared, "When thou passest through the 
waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers they 
shall not overflow thee; when thou walkest through the 
fire, thou shalt not be burned, neither shall the flame 
kindle upon thee." Well, may every ransomed* soul 
take his harp down from the willow and sing with the 
poet: 



Writings of Arthur Cox. 31 

'I've found a friend ; oh, such a friend ! 

He loved me e'er I knew him ; 
He drew me with the cords of love, 

And thus he bound me to him. 
And 'round my heart still closely twine 

Those ties which naught can sever, 
For I am his and he is mine, 

Forever and forever. 

I've found a friend ; oh, such a friend ! 

So kind, so true and tender, 
So wise a counsellor and guide, 

So mighty a defender! 
From him who loves me now so well, 

What power my soul can sever? 
Shall life or death, or earth or hell? 

No: I am bis forever." 




32 Writings of Arthur Cox. 



# 

This is a theme which is like the sweetest music to 
every heaven-born soul; for although there are num- 
bers of God's children who try to disprove many of the 
doctrines which, of necessity, flow out of this Bible 
truth, yet when these very persons are questioned in 
regard to their own salvation they will at once declare 
that it is alone through the unmerited favor of God 
that they have been translated from nature's darkness 
to the light and liberty of God's children ; so that every 
spiritually taught soul can take up the language of the 
great Apostle to the Gentiles, "By the grace of God I 
am what I am." 

The natural man, however, sees no beauty in this 
precious theme, he may have a head knowledge of di- 
vine things, and he may be ever ready to argue warmly, 
and sometimes bitterly, on scriptural subjects, but he 
knows nothing of that deep-seated enjoyment brought 
about by hearing the riches of God's free and unmer- 
ited love proclaimed, or by meditating there upon. I 
doubt not that there are persons, born blind, who be- 
lieve that there is such a thing as color, and who would 
contend earnestly to prove this, if anyone should deny 



Writings of Arthur Cox. 33 

it. Now, it is impossible for these to know anything 
experimentally regarding color; they have never seen 
the beautiful blendings of the rainbow nor have they 
gazed upon the golden tint of the sunset; how then do 
they know aught regarding this subject? They know 
it from the fact that they have been thus taught. 

Suppose a lecture on color is given by an able or- 
ator, and in the audience there is a man who was born 
blind, this person gives a ready assent that there is 
such a thing as color because he has always been 
taught that there is, but when the lecturer paints for the 
eye of the imagination of his audience, beautiful 
scenery and waxes eloquent as he dwells upon the deli- 
cate shades of color as seen blended in the solar 
spectrum, do you suppose that the blind man's soul 
would thrill with pleasure like that of him who has seen 
these things himself, and hence knows how to appre- 
ciate them. It is just so in regard to the theme, "Free 
Grace." Man in his carnal state is blind, his eyes are 
closed to all the beauties of redeeming love. Some 
unregenerate men will perhaps assent that salvation is 
of grace and grace alone, and some may be able to de- 
fend this truth in quite a logical manner, but still in 
reality they do not see the depth of meaning in the 
words Free Grace , because they do not know experi- 
mentally, the depravity of the human heart. 

The freeness of God's grace was clearly manifested 

C 2 



34 Writings of Arthur Cox. 

in his election of the church, and also in the advent 
and death of Christ for her redemption, but it seems 
to me that nowhere is it called forth into more lively 
exercise than in the Holy Spirit's work of seeking out 
the lost, and applying to them the benefits procured by 
the blood of our Glorious Immanuel. 

From a natural standpoint, the Arminian theory on 
this subject, seems to be more consistent than any 
other. It teaches that man is left to exercise his own 
choice in regard to spiritual matters, and that he must 
make the first move in order to be saved. I say it ap- 
pears consistent, naturally speaking, because it is the 
exact course man would have pursued, if he had occu- 
pied God's position, and the consequence would have 
been the eternal destruction of all Adam's posterity; 
for if no man w T as quickened until he made a move 
godward, regeneration would be a thing unknown. 

Christ very plainly says, "No man can come to me ex- 
cept the Father which hath sent me draw him," and the 
language he used to the unbelieving Pharisees, is appli- 
cable to every impenitent, "Ye will not come to me 
that ye might have life. ' ' The church must be united in 
saying with John, "we love him because he first loved us." 

Not only do the Scriptures abundantly prove that 
salvation is of grace, and as Paul very forcibly says, "if 
by grace, then it is no more of works ; otherwise grace is 
no more grace," but the experience of every child of God 



Writings of Arthur Cox. 35 

teaches him that, had he been left to himself, he would 
never have sought for mercy at the cross, but that to the 
contrary he would have persisted in open rebellion to 
the Dispenser of every blessing, by disbelieving the 
record he hath given concerning his only begotten Son. 

In contemplating the unworthiness of humanity, the 
psalmist said: "Lord, what is man that thou takest 
knowledge of him? Or the son of man that thou 
makest account of him? Man is like to vanity, his days 
are as a shadow that passeth away." (Psalms cxliv : 
3,4.) It is a continual marvel to the Christian that 
God has ever been so gracious to his people. We may 
lift ourselves upon the wings of time and go back, back, 
BACK, but we can never reach a period when, if I may 
be permitted to use the expression, God did not look 
forward with delight to the salvation of his church, the 
bride, the Lamb's wife. Let me not be content with 
resting upon a love which is but as old as my own, 
when I may cherish in my bosom one which knows no 
beginning;. Age always tends to stability, hence when 
we view the electing love of God we see the sure foun- 
dation upon which we stand. 

If God had begun to love us at the moment of our 
birth that would have been a blessing indeed, but we 
know that his love did not then commence, because 
many centuries before this time, he gave his Son to die 
for us and nothing but love of the strongest type could 



36 Writi?igs of Arthur Cox. 

have prompted him to so great an act of mercy. We 
would go back to creation's dawn and look for tokens 
of God's favor to his people, but Paul leads us further 
back and says: "According as he hath chosen us in 
him BEFORE THE FOUNDATION OF THE WORLD that we 
should be holy and without blame before him in love." 

Then with one mighty leap we betake ourselves to 
the morning of eternity, and think that now we have 
certainly reached a time when the love of the Almighty 
has not been kindled for his yet uncreated church. But 
lo ! Paul has been here before us and says: "But we 
are bound to give thanks always to God for you, breth- 
ren beloved of the Lord, because God hath FROM THE 
BEGINNING chosen you to salvation, through sanctifica- 
tion of the Spirit and belief of the truth." We see 
then that at every step in the divine life we have cause 
to stop and raise our Ebenezer realizing that it is alone 
through the free and eternal grace of Almighty God 
that we have been kept. 

If we look for the promptings of electing, redeem- 
ing, or regenerating love, we will each time be led to 
the inscription, "Free Grace" which should be en- 
graved upon every Christian's armor. Others may de- 
sire to mingle their own merit with God's favor in sal- 
vation and make their faithfulness, which is at the 
longest of but a few years' standing, the foundation of 
their hope. But give me the robe of Jesus' righteous- 



Writings of Arthur Cox. 37 

ness and I will cast aside all the faulty garments of my 
own imperfections, as a fit dress to wear at the marriage 
feast of the King; give me, as the foundation of my 
hope, a love which was in existence when the sun of 
eternity rose, and I will cease to make my affections, 
which are as inconstant as man himself, the test of my 
standing with God. 

"Free Grace" is a grand theme by which to live. 
As I said before when we are engaged in the Christian 
warfare we should have these precious words engraved 
upon our armor, and when we lie upon our bed at 
night, we should take the pillow of Free Grace and 
with our heads thus resting our sleep will be sweet in- 
deed. We need not be ashamed of this theme, al- 
though many would depreciate it, for it is of honored 
parentage, since God is its author, and it has had for 
its advocates the noblest and best men of all ages. 

With our harps tuned to the melodious strains, this 
sweetest of all music, we can rejoice and sing the songs 
of Zion even when the storms of trouble rage about us ; 
and when we stand upon the bank of the chilly stream 
of death, we can with David say, "Yea, though I walk 
through the valley of the shadow of death I will fear no 
evil;" and when Jordan shall have been crossed, we will 
join the blood-washed throng in singing of that pre- 
cious Free Grace which brought us from Egyptian dark- 
ness to the brilliant light of the land of Canaan. 



38 Writi?igs of Arthur Cox. 



gvee gttttU. 

* 

This is a topic we often hear discussed, and much is 
said in heated controversies which cannot be backed by 
a ''Thus saith the Lord,'' both by necessarians and 
libertarians. When man came from the plastic hand of 
Jehovah he stood in the garden of Eden a perfect man; 
his form was not bent or emaciated by the ravages of 
disease ; his desires were not influenced by evil passions, 
and above all, hfe will was not bound by the iron chains 
of sin and transgression, but in a little while what a sad 
change takes place. Satan with all his wiles and 
treachery crawls into the peaceful presence of Adam and 
Eve and tempts them to disobey their Creator ; they 
soon yield to his power and by their actions cut off all 
the blessings and privileges which God had bestowed 
upon them. God had informed them beforehand that 
if they disobeyed him and ate of the tree of the knowl- 
edge of good and evil in that day they should surely 
die. And now they have willfully turned their backs 
upon God's commands, of course the inevitable conse- 
quence is death. Man's will, which before the fall was 
untrammeled, now is enslaved to sin and iniquity, and 
from that fatal day every child born into the world is as 



Writings of Arthur Cox. 39 

dead (spiritually) as Lazarus was (naturally) when he 
lay in the tomb. And it takes the same Almighty 
power that called him forth to bring one sinner into 
spiritual life. 

We see then that nothing is more contrary to scrip- 
tural teaching than to ignore the fall, and assert that the 
will of man is free and untrammeled. Christ plainly 
teaches us that man's will is depraved and sinful; in 
fact so positive is he, that on one occasion he uses the 
unequivocal language, "No man can come to me except 
the father which hath sent me draw him," and again, 
when in the presence of some Pharisees, he tells them, 
"Ye will not come to me that ye might have life," thus 
showing that all men, naturally, are in such a condition 
that they will not nor cannot come to Jesus for life and 
salvation. Spiritual death so supremely reigns in the 
heart that even if a sinner possessed the power within 
himself of acquiring salvation yet he would have no 
desire for it whatever; he would still refuse to exercise 
this power. Hence we see that the very first step nec- 
essary in conversion is the renewal of the will. Every 
unregenerate man is satisfied with his spiritual condi- 
tion ; he may say he is not, but, if the illuminating 
power of the Holy Spirit has never been shed in the 
heart, he does not realize his true condition, because as 
soon as a person is really concerned about his soul's 
welfare it is very good evidence that he is one of those 



40 Writings of Arthur Cox. 

for whom Christ has purchased salvation; and that the 
refulgent rays of the Gospel are shining into his heart, 
showing to him his lost and undone condition. To all 
who are thirsting for the presence of God in the soul 
and feel weary of their burden of sin, Jesus says in his 
wonderful love and mercy "Come unto me all ye that 
labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest; 
take my yoke upon you and learn of me, for I am meek 
and lowly in heart and ye shall find rest unto your souls, 
for my yoke is easy and my burden is light." And the 
faithful prophet Isaiah — centuries before the advent of 
our Savior — with his spiritual eyes directed to the 
cross of Calvary, cried out, "Ho, every one that 
thirsteth come ye to the waters and he that hath no 
money come ye buy and eat, yea come buy wine and 
milk without money and without price." All who feel 
their own sinfulness and know what it is to be spiritually 
destitute, may be sure of being welcome at the feet of 
Jesus, because the Son of God is waiting to receive all 
such into his kingdom. Jesus knows your condition. 
In fact he has been working with you by his Holy Spirit 
or you would not have a will to come to him, for while 
many talk about man's free agency the Bible plainly 
teaches that man in his unregenerate state is not a free 
agent but that he is the servant of Satan. "For thus 
saith the Lord, ye have sold yourselves for naught, and 
ye shall be redeemed without money. (Isa. Hi: 3.) 



Writings of Arthur Cox. 41 

And Paul tells us that they are "taken captive by 
him, the devil, at his will." (II. Tim. ii:26.) 

True, every unregenerate man has a will and does 
not fail to exercise it either; but it is always used to 
disbelieve the record God hath given of his Son and to 
choose the service of Satan rather than the service of 
Jesus. Every human being is a servant either of God 
or of the devil, there is no such thing as a half way 
matter; we each are, be we high or low, young or old, 
rich or poor, devoting our time and our talents to one 
of these masters who is controlling our wills and our 
actions, little as we may think it. 

Oh, that God would bring his children all, more fully 
to a knowledge of his precious word and cause them to 
look to the pit from whence they were dug and to the 
rock from whence they were hewn, and give him all the 
glory for their salvation, realizing that had it not been 
for the renewing work of the Holy Spirit they would 
still have been wandering from the presence of God not 
willing that the man Christ Jesus should reign over them. 




42 Writings of Arthur Cox. 

''For I am the Lord, I change not; therefore ye sons of 
Jacob are not consumed." (Malachi iii:6.) 

The immutability of God forms a strong foundation 
for the hope of the believer; because, if God were as 
man, ever liable to change, there would be no salvation 
for a single one of Adam's sons or daughters. Man is 
so fallen in his nature, so depraved in his desires, that, 
even after the love of Christ has been revealed in his 
heart, after his feet have been plucked up from the miry 
pit and planted upon the rock, Christ Jesus, he trans- 
gresses so often, that, were it not for the unchangeable- 
ness of a covenant keeping God, he would be banished 
into outer darkness to spend an eternity of woe. The 
experience of every one who has been taught by grace 
divine to know the plague of his own heart, accords 
with that of the poet Medley: 

"Often I feel my sinful heart 
Prone from my Jesus to depart ; 
But though I oft have him forgot, 
His loving kindness changes not." 



Writings of Arthur Cox. 43 

The fact that Christ has promised to be with his 
people all through the ages, should cause them to trust 
fully in him, and discard all fear of ever being cast away. 
But God does not stop with merely promising: he not 
only says by the mouth of the prophet Jeremiah, "I 
will make an everlasting covenant with them, that I 
will not turn away from them, to do them good;" but, 
also says "Willing more abundantly to shew unto the 
heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, he 
confirmed it by an oath; that by two immutable things, 
in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might 
have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to 
lay hold upon the hope set before us." (Heb. vi : 17, 
18.) Oh, the glory of the everlasting love of God! 
Eternity will be far too short to fathom its bottomless 
depths. It is enough to make our hearts overflow with 
gratitude to know that the Almighty God of heaven and 
earth, he who is the arbiter of all the nations of the 
world, should deal so tenderly with his chosen people 
as to condescend to confirm all his rich promises by an 
oath. Well might the poet, while meditating upon the 
wonders of God's eternal love to fallen and rebellious 
man, in ecstasy cry out: 

"Sovereign grace o'er sin abounding, 
Ransomed souls the tidings swell ; 

'Tis a deep that knows no sounding 
Who its breadth and depth can tell? 

'Tis an ocean without bottom or a shore. 



44 Writings of Arthur Cox. 

Once in Christ, in Christ forever ; 

This the Gospel scheme declares. 
Death, nor hell, nor sin shall sever 

Jesus from his chosen heirs ; 
Blest in Jesus, 

Members of his mystic frame." 

Men of the world, no matter how prosperous they 
may be, can afford to have their gloomy and dubious 
moods, because at any minute their hopes may be 
blasted, and all their fond ambitions be chaff before the 
wind. But not so with the believer in Christ; he, too, 
may meet with adversity, and his hopes, of a terrestrial 
nature, may be crushed ; but, blessed be God ! he has 
an assurance which he can never lose; he has a hope 
founded upon the oath of him who has declared, "/ am 
the Lord, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are 
not consumed. ' ' And consequently he cannot be gloomy 
while ruminating on the riches of God's free and un- 
changeable love. 

Many times afflictions are sent so heavily upon the 
way-worn saints that they are almost tempted to believe 
that God is beginning to forget his promises to them, 
and that his love must be abating; but this is all a mis- 
take. The arms of God's loving kindness are encircling 
his people just as surely in adversity as in prosperity. 
In fact these very afflictions, when viewed in a proper 
light, instead of causing us to doubt the faithfulness of 
God, will establish the glorious truths of his unalterable 



Writings of Arthur Cox. 45 

love. Because, if God did not hold the cause of his 
people so dear, he would often permit them to run as 
they desire, even to their own hurt, rather than cause 
himself sorrow by lovingly rebuking them, as an affec- 
tionate parent does his offspring. We know that the 
Heavenly Father feels the trouble of his little ones, be- 
cause the Book of books tells us, "In all their afflictions 
he was afflicted." 

Kind reader, perhaps you are even now being led 
through the chilly shades of Achor's gloomy vale. You 
may have had God's afflicting hand laid upon you so 
heavily that you sometimes feel almost tempted to give 
up in despair. If such be the case, I pray you banish 
forever from your mind such a thought. Know you 
not that, "Whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and 
scourgeth every son whom he receiveth ; if ye endure 
chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons : for 
what son is he whom the Father chasteneth not?" 
(Heb. xii:6, 7.) These afflictions are but good evi- 
dence of the tender love of God. I appeal to parents 
who have had experience in rearing a family. Does it 
not pain you, stern but loving father, to administer 
rebuke to your children, even more than it pains them? 
And you, oh gentle mother, whose love to your off- 
spring in its purity approaches nearer to the love of 
Christ for his church than any other earthly tie, I will 
ask you, does it not cause you more heartaches to with- 



46 Writings of Arthur Cox. 

hold from your little ones that which they desire than 
it would to yield to their childish cravings, even though 
you know this denial is for their good? Now, it is so, 
only in a higher sense, with God's dealings in providence. 
Oh, afflicted and doubting soul, listen to what God 
endearingly says to you : "For a small moment have I 
forsaken thee; but with great mercies will I gather thee. 
In a little wrath I hid my face from thee for a moment ; 
but with everlasting kindness will I have mercy on thee, 
saith the Lord thy Redeemer. For this is as the waters 
of Noah unto me; for as I have sworn that the waters 
of Noah should no more go over the earth, so have I 
sworn that I would not be wroth with thee nor rebuke 
thee. For the mountains shall depart and the hills be 
removed, but my- kindness shall not depart from thee, 
neither shall the covenant of my peace be removed, 
saith the Lord that hath mercy on thee." (Isa. liv : 7, 
10.) Child of the kingdom, could we ask for grander 
assurance of God's eternal, unchangeable love to poor, 
fallen man? It seems that Jehovah cast his omniscient 
eye over the whole earth, to see by what he could illus- 
trate the depth and firmness of his love ; but everything 
of a terrestrial nature falls far short. The mountains 
and hills are indeed abiding in their character; cen- 
turies, as they come and go with stately tread, find and 
leave them the same; but even these, if not disturbed 
by volcano or earthquake, will some day pass away. 



Writings of Arthur Cox. 47 

Nevertheless, the covenant of God's peace shall never 
be removed. Well may we cry out with the psalmist, 
"Whom have I in heaven but thee; and there is none 
upon earth that I desire besides thee. My flesh and 
my heart faileth ; but God is the strength of my heart 
and my portion forever Although we are so mutable 

in our nature, so often forgetful of the mercies and 
blessings of our Heavenly Father, yet he is unchange- 
able in his dealings with us, as the poet beautifully 
says : 

•The work which his goodness began. 

The arm of his strength will complete. 
His promise is yea and amen. 

And never was forfeited ye:. 

Not only have we the assurance that the free grace 
of God will uphold and keep us all through our journey 
in this life, but after this earth shall have melted with 
fervent heat, and time shall be no more, we shall be 
permitted to spend a glorious eternity in the very pres- 
ence of God, where sin and death shall be known no 
more; and then, and not before, shall we begin to fully 
realize the depth of the never ending love of our 
"brother born for adversity 

There is much talk in this cay among professed 
Christians about degrees of glory in heaven ; their theory 
being that some will simply get a crown, while others 
will have crowns bedecked with stars. But, be that as 



48 Writings of Arthur Cox. 

it may, it seems to me that it will be joy enough to live 
in the presence of Christ, whether we have stars or not. 
In fact, I feel that if a crown of pre-eminence were given 
me, I would cast it at the feet of King Immanuel, and 
swell the glorious music of heaven by joining all the 
redeemed in crying out, "Unto him that loved us, and 
washed us from our sins in his own blood, and hath 
made us kings and priests unto God and his Father, to 
him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen." 



Writings of Arthur Cox. 49 

"Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after 
righteousness, for they shall be filled. (Matt. v:6). 

This Scripture may be taken to represent the de- 
sire for a holy life as experienced by every child of God 
during his sojourn on earth. But we wish to notice it 
as it refers to the longing of the soul under conviction, 
for a perfect righteousness, found alone in Christ. In 
my opinion no grander truth than this verse, can be 
found recorded anywhere in Holy Writ. I cannot hope 
to add anything to it. But I will ask you, kind reader, 
to follow me for a short time and we will feast upon 
some of the beauties with which it is fraught. 

Every man in his natural state is perfectly satisfied 
with his condition spiritually: true, his conscience may 
at times smite him, which is sometimes erroneously 
taken for the strivings of God's Spirit in the soul; he, 
perhaps, sometimes, with Baalam, will say: "Let me 
die the death of the righteous, and let my last end be 
like his!" (Numbers xxiii:io), but unless the Holy 
Spirit, by his almighty power, enlightens the mind, 
these impressions will only be transient and the same 
unconcerned state will prevail as usual. Paul was not 



50 Writings of Arthur Cox. 

mistaken when he wrote to the Corinthian brethren, 
"The natural man receiveth not the things of the 
Spirit of God : for they are foolishness unto him : neither 
can he know them, because they are spiritually dis- 
cerned." It is an evident fact, then, that man if 
left to himself will always refuse to come to Christ for 
life everlasting. We know this to be so not only from 
the teachings of God's most sacred word, but our own 
experience also clearly proves it. Let us look back and 
see if we do not remember the time when we were in 
this natural state ; when sin was rolled under our tongues 
as a sweet morsel, and we were not willing for the 
man, Christ Jesus, to reign over us. While in this con- 
dition we were, as a whole, perfectly satisfied with our 
spiritual standing before God. We did not know the 
plague of our own hearts, and of course our sinfulness 
troubled us but little. We would have continued in 
this impenitent state even until now had it not been for 
the sovereign, distinguishing grace and mercy of Al- 
mighty God. 

If we will notice closely our text, we will see that 
there is no doubt or uncertainty expressed in it. Just as 
sure will all those who have a true desire for righteous- 
ness be sooner or later fully satisfied by spiritually 
feasting upon the fat things of the Gospel. What en- 
couragement to press forward this should be to all who 
by grace divine have been caused to feel their littleness, 



Writings of Arthur Cox. 51 

and to long for that perfect righteousness which comes 
only through faith in the blood of Christ. 

One of the grandest truths of Christianity is, that 
notwithstanding the fact that man if left to himself will 
never turn to God, yet no compulsion whatever is used 
in the divine economy of grace, as Benj. Keach, one of 
the signers of the old London Confession of Faith has 
well said, "Jesus Christ, as I have told you, will accept 
of no pressed soldiers, no, no, they must be all volun- 
teers, but naturally the will is corrupt, depraved and 
wills only that which is evil, and it is averse to all 
things that are truly and spiritually good, and so it re- 
mains until grace, or the Holy Spirit, takes away that 
enmity or averseness which is in it, and so makes it 
willing; and this is done generally by the powerful 
preaching of the Gospel, God being pleased to accom- 
pany it with the operations of his own spirit and divine 
power." 

We who hold to Calvinistic doctrines are sometimes 
accused of teaching that God in his sovereignty takes 
sinners, whether they are willing or not, and forces 
them into his service. But this is a gross misrepresen- 
tation. Nothing is further from the tenor of Holy 
Writ than such an idea. Every called minister of God 
should have in his message, "Whosoever will let him 
come;" backed up by the precious promise, "My peo- 
ple shall be willing in the day of my power." 



52 Writings of Arthur Cox. 

Perhaps some soul who reads these few lines is even 
now sighing and longing for that peace which is found 
only at the foot of the cross. May be such a one has 
been spending his strength trying to fulfill the demands 
of the law in his own might, and has been brought to 
realize his weakness and longs for a more perfect fulfill- 
ment of God's righteous demands in his behalf. If 
such be the case, to you I would say, remember the 
words of our text and take courage: "Blessed are 
they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness, 
for they shall be filled." Cease from looking to your 
own acts for justification before God ; while the Gospel 
trumpet peals forth in silver tones iX By the deeds of the 
law shall no flesh be justified in his sight" Flee at 
ONCE TO HIM, WHO HATH SAID, "LOOK UNTO ME, AND 
BE YE SAVED, ALL THE ENDS OF THE EARTH, FOR I 

am God and there is none else." 

The Scriptures are full of invitations to every needy 
sinner. Where could be found music sweeter to the 
sin-sick soul than, "Ho, every one that thirsteth, come 
ye to the waters, and he that hath no money, come ye, 
buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without 
money and without price? Wherefore do ye spend 
money for that which is not bread? and your labors 
for that which satisfieth not? hearken diligently unto 
me, and eat ye that which is good, and let your soul 



Writings of Arthur Cox. 53 

delight itself in fatness." The poet had certainly 
drank deep at the fountain of salvation, who wrote: 

Come ye sinners, poor and wretched. 

"Weak and wounded, sick and sore. 
Jesus ready stands to save you. 

Full of pity mixed with power ; 
He is able. 
He is willing doubt no more. 

Come, ye needy, come and welcome. 

God's free bounty glorify; 
True belief and true repentance. 

Every grace that brings us nigh : 
Without money 
Come to Jesus Christ and buy. 

Come, ye weary, heavy laden. 

Lost and ruined by the fall. 
If you tarry till you're better. 

You will never come at all ; 
Xot the righteous. 
Sinners. Jesus came to call. 

View him prostrate in the garden ! 

Lo ! your sacred Maker lies ! 
On the bloody tree behold him ! 

Hear him cry before he dies. 
It is finished! 
Sinners, will not this suffice? 

The soul when under conviction may flee hither 
and thither for peace, but only through faith in Christ 
is a true sense of pardon brought about. How can 
you then, thirsty sinner, longer stay away from the 



54 Writings of Arthur Cox. 

wells of salvation? Christ not only is ready to receive 
you into his arms, but it is through his boundless love 
and matchless grace that you feel this dissatisfaction 
with your own imperfect righteousness, and hunger and 
thirst after a perfect righteousness with which you can 
meet every requirement of the inexorable law of God. 
My prayer is that you may be enabled to come even 
now to the cross of Jesus where, like Bunyan's Pil- 
grim, your load of sin will roll from your weary back 
and you will go forth able to say with the man who re- 
ceived sight from Christ "One thing I know, that, 
whereas I was blind, now I see." 




Writings of Arthur Cox. 55 



# 

We are told by the apostle Paul that "all Scripture 
is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable;" and 
in accord with this truth we find a lesson taught us in 
the life of every person mentioned in Holy Writ. Who 
can study the history of Abraham without beholding in 
wonder and amazement his great faith? Who can 
meditate upon the actions of that great leader of God's 
people, Moses, untouched by his meekness? 

In Jacob we find an example of power in prayer; in 
Jeremiah, we see one whose heart is o'erwhelmed with 
godly sorrow for the iniquities of idolatrous Israel, and 
we wonder not that he burst forth in that pathetic sen- 
tence fraught with poetic beauty, "Oh, that my head 
were water, and mine eyes a fountain of tears, that I 
might weep day and night for the slain of the daughter 
of my people ! " 

The life of David proves how certain victory is, if 
God be for us; in Solomon we have a counselor so full 
of wisdom that his advice will be useful as long as time 
shall last, and in the character of our subject, Job, if I 
mistake not, we shall find a good example of unswerving 
trust and godly patience in the hour of dark affliction. 



56 Writings of Arthur Cox. 

Of his early life we know nothing. His history 
opens with the declaration, "There was a man in the 
land of Uz, whose name was Job; and that man was 
perfect and upright, and one that feared God, and 
eschewed evil." We learn also that he was wealthy 
and influential, so much so, in fact, that he is said to 
have been the greatest of all the men of the East. And 
not only did he have great possessions but he had also 
been blest with quite a family, having raised seven sons 
and three daughters. 

We can form an estimate of Job's devoutness when 
we remember that on the feast days of his children, 
although perhaps many miles from them, yet they were 
still upon his heart, and he would offer sacrifices to God 
in their behalf. Now Satan could not bear to see this 
powerful man of the East so godly in his walk. Doubt- 
less he did not object to Job's possessing great riches, 
but what he disliked was that his affluence did not wean 
his affections from his divine Benefactor. And in con- 
sequence this prince of darkness resolved to procure his 
downfall. 

We are told that one day when the sons of God 
came to present themselves before the Lord, Satan came 
also among them, and when God asked him the ques- 
tion, "Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there 
is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright 
man, one that feareth God and escheweth evil," he 



Writings of Arthur Cox. 57 

answered, "Doth Job fear God for naught? Hast thou 
not made an hedge about him, and about his house, 
and about all that he hath on every side? Thou hast 
blessed the works of his hands, and his substance is in- 
creased in the land. But put forth thine hand now, 
and touch all that he hath, and he will curse thee to 
thy face." 

We can but stop to notice how two-faced Satan is 
in all his dealings ; we see him here as he stands before 
the all-searching gaze of God, acknowledging Jehovah 
as the giver of all the rich temporal blessings of which 
Job was the recipient, and doubtless when he came to 
Job he would reason that there was no Supreme Being 
and even if there were that he was so much above man, 
so busy with the greater events of the universe, that he 
would not notice whether man was happy or miserable, 
rich or poor, sinful or holy. 

Well, God said to Satan, "All that Job hath is in 
thy power, only upon himself put not forth thine hand. ' ' 
Here is one of those precious decrees of God which, as 
it were, binds the devil in chains, which can never be 
broken; it says to him "Hitherto shalt thou come, but 
no further." 

It should cause all God's people to rejoice to know 
that although Satan oftentimes tempts them and tries to 
procure their downfall, yet he cannot go one inch further 
in any direction than our heavenly father permits, and 



58 Writings of Arthur Cox. 

so it was with Job. Satan, in his bitterness of purpose 
takes away all his possessions. He who a few days 
before was surrounded by almost regal splendor is now, 
comparatively, a poor man, and yet we hear him make 
no complaint. I can, in my imagination, even now see 
the old patriarch as he sits patiently listening to the 
servants, who are bringing him such bad news, and 
meditating upon the heavy losses which he is sustaining, 
when up rushes another messenger with the sad tidings 
that while his sons and daughters were feasting in the 
house of their elder brother, a wind arose, struck the 
house, and caused it to fall upon the inmates, and the 
servant announces that, "the young men are all dead and 
I only am escaped to tell thee." Will Satan's predic- 
tion now be fulfilled? As Job sees his five hundred 
asses and five hundred yoke of oxen in the hands of the 
Sabeans ; his seven thousand sheep charred into ashes 
by the fire from heaven; his three thousand camels 
gone to augment the wealth of his enemies, the Chal- 
deans ; and worst of all, oh, sad thought, his children, 
the center around which his fond ambitions cluster, all 
snatched from his fond embrace. Will he now curse 
God to his face as Satan has said? Let inspiration 
answer. "Then Job arose and rent his mantle, and 
shaved his head, and fell down upon the ground, and 
worshipped, and said : 'Naked camel out of my mother's 
womb and naked shall I return thither; the Lord gave 



Writings of Arthur Cox. 59 

and the Lord hath taken away ; blessed be the name of 
the Lord.' In all this Job sinned not, nor charged God 
foolishly." 

Who can read this language of poor afflicted Job 
without a sigh? Oh, that patience ! What evidence of 
God's preserving grace in the heart! What sublimity 
of thought ! 

But Satan is not yet satisfied. He decides to make 
another effort, consequently he goes back again before 
God, and has the audacity to say, "Put forth thine 
hand now and touch his bone and his flesh, and he will 
curse thee to thy face." 

The Lord, resolving to have Job fully tried, answers, 
"Behold, he is in thine hand, but save his life." Satan, 
with grim determination, now afflicts Job with sore boils 
from the sole of his foot unto his crown. And as if to 
cut off from him every avenue of comfort, the wife of 
his bosom, she who might be expected to stand by his 
side and administer consolation, turns as it were her 
back upon him and says, "Dost thou still retain thine 
integrity? Curse God and die." Doubtless Satan now 
thinks the hour of his triumph is about to come. He 
is not acquainted with the sustaining power of God's 
grace. He little thinks that when the everlasting arms 
are beneath the child of God that all the fiery darts of 
the infernal hosts are without effect, but such is the case. 
If Beelzebub and all his followers should unite their 



60 Writings of Arthur Cox. 

powers to make one mighty attempt to procure the ruin 
of the least of God's saints, their efforts would fall pow- 
erless before the arms of loving kindness with which 
they are ever encircled like a sacred halo. And it was 
so in the case of Job, when his wife asked him to curse 
God and die, he displayed in his answer that wonderful 
patience for which he has ever been noted. He does 
not upbraid her for cruelly forsaking him and blasphem- 
ing his God, but simply says, "Thou speakest as one 
of the foolish women speaketh. What ! shall we receive 
good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive 
evil?" Methinks the angels in heaven raised a loud 
hallelujah at seeing such a triumph of the protecting 
power of their King over the arts and snares of the wily 
one. Satan is now foiled, his final effort has been fruit- 
less, and the patience of Job in affliction has been put 
upon record as an example for all who should follow. 

We are told that "The Lord blessed the latter end 
of Job more than his beginning; for he had fourteen 
thousand sheep, and six thousand camels, and a thou- 
sand yoke of oxen, and a thousand she-asses. He had 
also seven sons and three daughters." 

Reader, we have been with this man of God through 
the days of his prosperity and adversity; we have seen 
him remain firm in his trust, and unswerving in his 
fidelity, although the darkness of affliction hung about 
him heavy as midnight gloom. Now let us see if we 



Writings of Arthur Cox. 61 

cannot learn some useful lessons from his wonderful 
patience. We, perhaps, may never be called upon to 
drink so deep at the bitter fountain of affliction, but still 
we will surely meet with crosses in this life; it is so 
intended. This earth is not our home, we will not be 
tied to this terrestrial globe forever; and if everything 
here were arranged just to suit us we would become too 
much attached to things of time. The tendrils of our 
affections are so constantly seeking for something around 
which to entwine themselves, that the husbandman often 
comes around and tears from our clinging embrace that 
which we were almost making an idol. But this is all 
for our good. The pruning is just as necessary in the 
vineyard as any of the other work. 

Some who read this may be even now groping 
through the gloomy vale of Achor, having had the 
afflicting hand of God laid heavily upon them. If such 
be the case I would say, kind friends, your case is in 
the hands of one who would not lay one straw of trouble 
upon your back more than is for your good. He 
knows your strength, and sweeter than all, he has trod 
this way before you. 

Are you suffering severe temptation? Does it ap- 
pear to you that the friends of hell are exhausting their 
power upon you? Then I would point you to Jesus. 
See him as he stands in the wilderness with no one nigh 
save the prince of devils who is using every means he 



62 Writings of Arthur Cox. 

can to cause his downfall, and know that since he has 
suffered such a severe test, he knows how to succor us 
when we are tempted. Are you poor in this world's 
goods, and are you often tempted to wonder why it is 
that so many roll in affluence and luxury while you are 
slowly plodding poverty's vale? Then look again at 
the Immaculate Son of God. Behold him who, as 
God, had but to speak and it was done, to command 
and it stood fast, and yet as he stands upon the earth 
during his incarnation hear him telling those about him, 
"The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have 
nests ; but the son of man hath not where to lay his 
head." Can you then complain at poverty when you 
see him who was so rich for our sakes becoming poor? 

We could fill pages enumerating different trials and 
afflictions and showing that Jesus has suffered each. 
There is no dark nook in the great valley of tribulation 
which he has not hallowed and sweetened by his pres- 
ence. Well then might Paul triumphantly exclaim, 
"For we have not an high priest which cannot be 
touched with the feeling of our infirmities ; but was in 
all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin." 

Of course it is natural for us to look with admiration 
upon Job as he exercised so much patience all through 
his sore trials. In fact we cannot study his life without 
envying his firm trust in God even when everything 
seemed to be against him. 



Writings of Arthur Cox. 63 

But reader, God's grace is as powerful now, as then, 
notwithstanding the fact that since that day many cen- 
:uries have dawned and each in turn has stepped aside 
:o give place to another, yet the protecting care of 
[ehovah remains fixed and certain. Just as sure as that 
Did tried patriarch came off victorious, just as sure will 
*very one sheltered by the same great rock finally 
xiumph over all temptations, trials and afflictions. Let 
as then ask God to so strengthen us that we will ever 
:>e submissive to his will. To so saturate us with the 
Spirit of the living God, that whether we lie upon the 
:>ed of sickness, or stand by the grave of a loved one, 
^ve may in each condition be enabled to say with Job of 
Did, ' 'The Lord gave and the Lord taketh away ; blessed 
De the name of the Lord." "Shall we receive good at 
:he hand of God, and shall we not receive evil?" 




64 Writings of Arthur Cox. 

govb, plltat is plan? 

# 

"Lord, what is man, that thou takest knowledge of him, 
or the son of man, that thou makest account of him? Man 
is like to vanity : his days are as a shadow that passeth away." 
(Psalms cxliv:3, 4.) 

Thousands of years have come and gone since this 
passage was written by David. Empires have been es- 
tablished, rose to the zenith of their power, and like all 
other productions of man have toppled to the earth ; 
yet these words are still the same ; and not only do we 
have them written in the Bible, but they are, as it were, 
engraved upon the hearts of all those taught from 
above. It is the cry of all such, "Lord, what is man, 
that thou takest knowledge of him?" What a won- 
der it is to every heaven-born soul that God, who is 
"righteous in all his ways, and holy in all his thoughts," 
should ever look down upon poor, fallen man, and love 

him. 

"Pause, my soul, adore and wonder; 

Ask, oh why such love to me? 
Grace hath put me in the number 

Of the Savior's family." 

It may be very nice to be a member of a family 
that is very high socially; but when compared with 






Writings of Arthur Cox. 65 

Christianity all these natural elevations sink into insig- 
nificance. The poor beggar, if a child of God, is a 
thousand times better off than the richest monarch, 
though he may abound in affluence and luxury, yet 
having no hope, and without God in the world. We see 
this clearly illustrated by our blessed Savior in the para- 
ble of Lazarus and the rich man. The rich man was 
clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously 
while on earth, but after death he cried for even one drop 
of water tc cool his parched tongue; while, on the other 
hand, poor Lazarus, who was full of sores, and almost 
starving, after passing through the valley of the shadow 
of death, enjoyed all the felicitous glories of heaven. 
In meditating on the goodness and mercy of God, 
well may we reiterate the words of the apostle Paul, 
"Oh, the depth of the riches, both of the wisdom and 
knowledge of God!" for truly his mercies cannot be 
numbered. If man had ever done anything to merit 
God's favor, then it would be different; but it is not so. 
To the contrary, every natural man does all in his 
power to wander further away from God, if possible. 
All unregenerate men are alike, in that they will not 
come to Christ that they might have life. (John v:4o). 
They do not want spiritual life, but choose rather the 
paths that lead to eternal ruin. The experience of 
every one who has been brought to a knowledge of the 
truth as it is in Christ Jesus, will, I feel sure, testify to 
c 3 



66 Writings of Arthur Cox. 

the truth of this; and with the dear old poet, Joseph 
Irons, they can say: 

"I wandered from him while I could, 
Till 'shall come' stopped my feet." 

They realize that what they are is by the grace of 
God ; and if they love God it is because he first loved 
them. No doubt when David said, "Lord, what is 
man, that thou takest knowledge of him! or the son of 
man, that thou makest account of him!''' he was con- 
templating not only the goodness of God in bestowing 
so many temporal blessings upon undeserving mankind, 
but what is far higher, spiritual blessings in Christ 
Jesus; for although it was many centuries after David's 
death that our Redeemer took upon himself the 
nature of man, yet I firmly believe that all the Old 
Testament saints looked into the future with the eye of 
faith, and saw Jesus hanging on Calvary's tree, being 
wounded for their transgressions, and bruised for their 
iniquities; and they realized that it was with his stripes 
they were healed; just as we look back nearly nine- 
teen centuries and see him suffering on the cross and 
crying out, "It is finished." 

In attempting to write upon the unmerited love of 
God to man, words fail us. Language cannot express 
the ineffable, matchless love of God. We can but re- 
peat the words of inspiration, "Many, oh Lord my 
God, are thy wonderful works which thou hast done, 
and thy thoughts which are to us-ward ; they cannot be 



Writings of Arthur Cox. 67 

reckoned up in order unto thee ; if I would declare and 
speak of them, they are more than can be numbered." 
That man is like to vanity, and his days as a 
shadow that passeth away, must be clear to all. We 
can look around on every side and see men passing 
away like unto a shadow, both young and old; some 
languishing upon beds of affliction for years, and so 
gradually passing away, while others are called away 
without a moment's warning to try the realities of 
eternity; and oh what a blessing it is to be prepared to 
meet God before his judgment bar, clothed not in our 
own righteousness, which is at best but filthy rags, 
but having on the shining and spotless robes of our 
precious Redeemer, which he so graciously wrought 
out upon Calvary for his people. What a grand thing 
it will be to be among that number to whom he will 
say, "Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the 
kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the 
world." What a solemn thing is eternity for one to 
meditate upon ! What an awful fate awaits all the 
finally impenitent! And yet, my soul, thou wouldest 
have been among that number had it not been for the 
free, electing love of God. All God's children can 
sing from the very depths of their hearts : 

• ; Jesus sought me when a stranger. 

Wandering from the fold of God : 
He. to rescue me from danger. 

Interposed his precious blood. 



68 Writings of Arthur Cox. 

They feel that had it not been for the effectual call 
of the Holy Spirit they would still be blindly stagger- 
ing along in nature's darkness; and when I say effect- 
ual call, I do not mean a gentle influence that can be 
quenched at will, but the all-powerful invitation, "Son, 
daughter, give me thy heart." Then it is that the 
heart of stone is taken away, and a heart of flesh is 
given; and the owner of the new heart now sees Jesus 
as the one altogether lovely, and the chiefest among 
ten thousand, and cries out with the psalmist, "Whom 
have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon 
earth that I desire besides thee. My flesh and my 
heart faileth ; but God is the strength of my heart, and 
my portion forever." (Psalms lxxiii 125 , 26.) 

Seeing then that man's life is as a shadow, let us 
ever be ready to say, ' ' Master, here am I . " May we by 
God's grace be able to say at all times, "To live is 
Christ, and to die is gain." Let us who are of the 
day be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and 
love, and for an helmet the hope of salvation; for God 
hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation 
by our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, that whether 
we wake or sleep we should live together with him. 

I have wandered a good deal from the subject, but 
hope I have not gone beyond the teaching of the word 
of God. If I have, forgive me, and remember that 
all uninspired writings are, like the writer, fallible. 



Writings of Arthur Cox. 69 

ffiean* ©rirainefc* of (Bob* 

"Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their 
heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, 
'Men and brethren what shall we do.' " (Acts ii : 3 7. ) 

It is thought by some that the men who uttered the 
above language were accessory to the crucifixion of 
Christ, because in the preceding verse Peter said, 
"Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, 
that God hath made that same Jesus whom ye crucified, 
both Lord and Christ." While it is thought by others 
that they were Jews, and he simply meant that the Jews 
as a nation had abetted in the crucifixion of Christ by 
calling for the release of Barrabas at a certain feast when 
it was the custom to release one prisoner, and demanded 
that Jesus be crucified. However, be that as it may, 
one thing is certain, that each of these who were pricked 
in the heart, with all God's people, helped to put Jesus 
the blessed Savior to death, in that it was their sins 
that nailed him to the cross. As the prophet Isaiah 
said, "He was wounded for our transgressions, he was 
bruised for our iniquities, the chastisement of our peace 
was upon him, and with his stripes we are healed." 
Well may we who feel we have an interest in the 
precious blood of our Immanuel sing: 



70 Writings of Arthur Cox. 

"Was it for crimes that I have done 
He groaned upon the tree : 
Amazing pity, grace unknown, 
And love beyond degree." 

No doubt these characters who were pricked in the 
heart by Peter's preaching, had been to the synagogue 
many times and heard the Scriptures of eternal truth 
read, and for ought we know they may have listened to 
the preaching of the Gospel as it came from the very 
lips of the Son of God himself, while on earth; but all 
this had no lasting influence on their hearts until the 
word came with the spirit and power of God ; and then, 
and not till then, they felt pricked in their hearts. So 
it is with the conversion of every sinner; he may attend 
the most sound and faithful ministry all his life; may 
read the Scriptures incessantly, and still as long as he 
has not the hearing ear, and the understanding heart, 
he will be the same careless, cold, depraved creature he 
has always been, unless the almighty power of God be 
sent with the word taking away the heart of stone and 
giving a heart of flesh ; making him love the things he 
once hated and hate the things he once loved ; so that 
now he can say with the psalmist from his heart, "A 
day in thy courts is better than a thousand ; I had rather 
be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than to dwell 
in the tents of wickedness." (Psalms lxxxiv:io.) 

It would not do for us to say, because it pleased 
God to bless the apostle Peter's preaching (so that it 



Writings of Arthur Cox. 71 

pricked the hearts of some of his hearers), that he was 
dependent upon it in anyway ; because that would take 
away one of the essentials of Jehovah. For if he is de- 
pendent upon anything whatever to accomplish his 
designs, he is no longer a perfect, almighty God. An 
almighty being must possess power sufficient to do all 
things of himself without the aid of any one. Neither 
will it do for us to say that because God is not depend- 
ent upon means in any form whatever, he never uses 
means to bring about certain ends ; as that would be 
running to the other extreme. We have abundant proof 
in the Holy Scriptures, showing the truth of the follow- 
ing lines : 

"His decree who formed the earth, 

Fixed my first and second birth : 
Parents, native place, and time 

All appointed were by him." 

God is never at a loss how to do anything he wishes. 
If there is a poor sinner he wishes to reveal himself 
unto as the one altogether lovely and the chiefest 
among ten thousand, and he desires the Gospel to be 
preached to such an one, although he may be many 
miles from where the Gospel trumpet is heard, there will 
always be a needs be sending a servant of God that 
way; even as there was a needs be that Jesus should go 
through Samaria to preach glad tidings of great joy to 
the woman at the well. Will you tell me that it was a 
mere chance that Jesus happened to be at the well when 



72 Writings of Arthur Cox. 

the woman came to draw water? No, thank God, there 
is no contingency with his works; or can we say that 
the woman came there expecting to see Jesus? I think 
not. We see plain proof in the narrative, that she, even 
after Christ had said to her, "If thou knewest the gift 
of God, and who it is that saith to thee give me to 
drink, thou wouldst have asked of him, and he would 
have given thee living water." Even then she did not 
understand him and knew nothing whatever of spiritual 
water, but thought he had reference to the natural water 
in the well, for she answered him, "Sir, thou hast 
nothing to draw with and the well is deep ; from whence 
then hast thou that living water?" But Jesus told her 
that, "Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst 
again ; but whosoever drinketh of the water that I give 
him shall never thirst." And she (the words of our 
blessed Savior being sent into her heart with power) 
cried out, "Give me this water that I thirst not." 
There was really no more virtue in the language of 
Jesus to this woman than in any of his conversation; 
but the power went with the words opening her heart 
that she attended unto the things that were spoken. 
The woman, we are told, after hearing Jesus went her 
way into the city, and saith to the men, "Come see a 
man which told me all things that ever I did, is not this 
the Christ?" "And many of the Samaritans believed 
on him, for the saying of the woman which testified." 



Writings of Arthur Cox. 73 

(John iv:39.) Some may say, "But suppose the 
woman had not testified to the men of Samaria, would 
they have continued in unbelief and have been eternally 
lost? And if Peter and the other apostles had not 
preached to that vast concourse on the day of Pentecost, 
would those who were pricked in the heart when they 
heard his words have continued in sin and impenitence 
without God and without hope in the world?" But 
thank God there is no such thing as an "if" or suppose 
in the matter, no chance or happening. We might just 
as well say, If the world had not been created, what 
would have happened? Or suppose Christ had not died 
for his people, as to put an "if" to the very smallest 
matter whatever, in providence or grace. I believe just 
as certain as there is a God above who reigns supreme, 
just so sure is he working all things, from the smallest 
to the greatest, to his ultimate glory. As the poet says 
when talking of the wheel of providence : 

"Let atheists vainly talk of chance, 
I would this wheel adore ; 
Which rules and guides each circumstance 
Which angels can't explore. 

Through seas or hills it makes its way, 

Though earth and hell oppose ; 
'Tis hastening on the last great day, 

Its wonders to disclose." 

We cannot say, as some dc, that there are thousands 
of souls perishing eternally for whom Christ died, be- 
cause the Gospel is not preached to them ; neither do 



74 Writings of Arthur Cox. 

we believe that all the preaching ever done or anything 
else except the atoning blood of our blessed Redeemer 
can save or wash away the sins of one poor soul; but 
we must, according to the teachings of the sacred Scrip- 
ture, believe that it pleases God to bless the means he 
has ordained to the conversion of sinners. Some have 
cause to bless God for a certain sickness ; others for 
having the death of some one impressed upon their 
hearts: some of God's children can quote the very 
words that were the means by the power of God, of 
convicting them of their sinfulness, while others have no 
remembrance of the time or circumstance when God 
hrst commenced his work of grace in their hearts. But 
it is all done by the same almighty power. As the late 
John M. Watson has well said, "Paul defends the great 
truth that all means or instrumentalities derive all their 
efficiency from God, let them be employed by whom 
they may ; against the Armenian notion that their 
efficiency depends very much upon the amount of human 
ability with which they are employed. Paul says that 
preaching is one of the means by which the sinner is to 
hear the Gospel ; but what does Paul's preaching amount 
to without the direct power of God? To the Jews "a 
stumbling block/ ' to the Greeks "'foolishness," to the 
unbelieving, a savor of death; hence the apostle's 
preaching did not prevail in the least without the excel- 
lency of power, the demonstration of the spirit; nor 



Writings of Arthur Cox. 75 

could Armenian powers have given efficiency to it when- 
ever the all prevailing power or assurance of the Holy 
Spirit was not given. Paul however does not affirm like 
some of our modern innovators, that means or instru- 
mentalities are not employed in the divine plan of salva- 
tion, for he asks: "How shall they hear without a 
preacher?" (Rom. xiizj..) Paul, it is true, preached 
the Gospel in word only, while the election of God was 
manifested by the power and assurance of the Holy 
Spirit imparted to his words, when received by the elect, 
which apart from that power and assurance would have 
been received in word only, which it really was by 
others not embraced in the divine election. (I. Thess. 
i:4. Old Baptist Test, pages 399 and 400.) 

It is argued by some that if God uses means it takes 
away his glory. But that will not do, as we might just 
as well say that God did not deserve all the credit for 
freeing the Israelites from Egyptian bondage, because 
Moses was used by him to perform all these miracles 
wrought before Pharaoh. Can we say that because 
God commanded Moses to smite the rock for water 
which he did, and water flowed out, that the glory of 
the miracle belonged to Moses and not to God ; or that 
Elisha deserved the praise for raising the Shunamite's 
son? (II. Kings iv:32, 34.) Why it would be simply 
absurd; because while God uses various means (and 
sometimes wicked men) to carry on his work, yet we 



76 Writings of Arthur Cox. 

must not give glory to any but him. If I take a knife 
and slice anything with it, it is not the knife that does 
the work, but I with the knife; so it is only in a much 
higher sense with God in using means. The instru- 
ments he pleases to use deserve no glory whatever for 
being used, because they are no better, or more powerful 
of themselves than others, but the difference is caused 
by God, and therefore all the credit belongs to him, as 
Paul says, "Who then is Paul, or who is Apollos but 
ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to 
every man? I have planted. Apollos watered; but God 
gave the increase. So then neither is he that planteth 
anything, neither he that watereth, but God that giveth 
the increase." (I. Cor. iii : 5, 7. ) May all the faithful 
in Christ Jesus by the rich grace of God be enabled to 
"Walk worthy of the vocation wherewith they are called, 
with all lowliness and meekness, with long suffering, 
forbearing one another in love, endeavoring to keep the 
unity of the spirit in the bond of peace," ever holding 
to the truths contained in the precious Word of God, 
not fearing the taunts and jeers of men, and though 
some on one extreme may call us Armenians, while 
others may denominate us Antinomians, let us continue 
to go boldly forward in the cause of our blessed Master. 
I will close this little article by saying in the language 
of the noted Augustine, "It availeth not what I say, 
what you say, what he says, but what saith the Lord." 



Writings of Arthur Cox. 11 

®ttey SMjolt <&ome. 

"All that the Father giveth me, shall come to me, and 
him that cometh to me, I will in no wise cast out." (John 
vi:37.) 

In this precious verse of Scripture we find the strong 
meat and milk of the Gospel blended together in such a 
manner that all the children of God, from the babe in 
Christ, to the old veteran of the cross, love the truths 
,it contains. 

"All that the Father giveth me shall come to me." 
No doubt some of the professed followers of Christ 
'would like it better if he had said, that he desired to 
save all that the Father gave him, that he would die for 
them, come into their hearts to woo and beseech them 
to come unto him, and if they still refused to fall in 
with the overtures of mercy, he would leave them to be 
lost after he had done all he could to save them. But 
no, blessed be God there is no contingency in the mat- 
ter, it is not may, can or should come, but shall come, 
and as the poet says : 

"Jehovah's shalls and wills 
Are firm as the everlasting hills. 

Some describe God in one way, others in another, 
and some declare there is no God at all, but notwith- 



78 Writings of Arthur Cox. 

standing all this the children of God will continue to cry- 
out with David of old, "Our God is in the heavens, 
he hath done whatsoever he hath pleased ; knowing 
that God hath said, it is not by might nor by power, 
but by my Spirit." 

Yes, it is a blessed truth that all the elect, the 
bride, the Lamb's wife, shall come to Christ in time 
and acknowledge him as their Lord and Savior, and 
when the race of this cold world is over, spend a bliss- 
ful eternity with him where sin, sorrow and death will 
be no more. Ever since the beginning of time God 
has been carrying on his work of redemption and will 
still continue to do so, until the last elect vessel of 
mercy is transported to the home of all the redeemed. 
As the poet Joseph Irons has beautifully said in one of 
his hymns : 

"The people of Jehovah's choice, 

Are registered on high ; 
And they shall hear his sovereign voice, 

And, by his grace draw nigh. 

Far off, depraved, and prone to stray, 

But they shall surely come ; 
For covenant love marks out the way, 
And brings the outcast home. 

Yes, they shall come, 'tis heaven's decree, 

They shall to Jesus bow ; 
This precious 'shall come' conquered me, 

And gives me comfort now." 



Writings of Arthur Cox. 79 

What a comfort it is for God's people to realize 
that "The foundation of God standeth sure, having 
this seal, 'The Lord knoweth them that are his.' : 
And he not only knows them, but will in his own ap- 
pointed time bring them all without the loss of one to 
a saving knowledge of the truth as it is in Jesus. 

Some may say, but suppose these who were given to 
Christ by God the Father, will not come to Jesus, will 
they be saved any way whether they want to be or not, 
and the others (those not given to Christ) be lost, no 
matter how much they seek for salvation. 

No true Baptist believes any such doctrine as that, 
neither does the Bible teach it. To the contrary, we 
read in the Scriptures that "Whosoever will, let him take 
the water of life freely." (Rev. xxii:i7.) At the 
same time it clearly teaches that no man can or will 
come to Christ unless he is drawn by the Father. 
Every unawakened son or daughter of Adam is dead in 
trespasses and sins, and does not want salvation. Like 
Baalam, they may say, "Let me die the death of the 
righteous, and let my last end be like his." (Numbers 
xxiiiiio.) But they only desire this because they 
dread the eternal punishment they sometimes feel will 
come upon them after death. Nothing short of a 
work of grace performed in the heart by the Holy 
Spirit can enable a person to serve God with a pure 
motive, that is because they love him, and a service of 



80 Writings of Arthur Cox. 

God that is prompted by anything else is displeasing in 
his sight. The children of God do not try to serve 
him, because they will be rewarded for it, but because 
God has already done so much for them, as John says 
in one of his epistles, "We love him because he first 
loved us." What was it but this free unmerited love 
of God to man that prompted him to send forth his 
only begotten Son to bleed and die for poor sinful 
worms of the dust, that he might redeem them from all 
iniquity and purify unto himself a peculiar people zeal- 
ous of good works. And not only was he delivered for 
our offenses, but he was raised again for our justifica- 
tion, nor does the work of salvation cease here, but 
after enduring the cross, despising the shame he sat 
down at the right hand of the throne of God there to 
intercede for those whose sins he bore. When a per- 
son who has a great many earthly possessions dies and 
leaves it all to his heirs, sometimes others will rise up 
and lay claim to it, or the administrator may be dis- 
honest and cheat the heirs out of their legacy. But 
thank God there is no mutation or chance connected 
with the heirship of the elect, for Jesus, our glorious 
Advocate, sits above on his throne having all power in 
heaven and on earth, seeing that the words of our text 
are carried out to the letter, bringing the blind by a 
way that they knew not, leading them in paths that they 
have not known, making darkness light before them, 



Writifigs of Arthur Cox. 81 

and crooked things straight, and he will continue to do 
so until all that the Father gave him. shall have come 
to him. No matter how fast the heart may be closed 
against Christianity, the Lord can open it as he did 
Lydia's. True, the unregenerate sinner is dead in tres- 
passes and sins, but the selfsame power that called Laz- 
arus from the tomb, can call the spiritually dead to life. 
"For as the Father raiseth up the dead and quickeneth 
them, even so the Son quickeneth whom he will." 

"And him that cometJi to me I will in no wise cast 
out." Oh, how careful the Savior was while on earth, 
not only to command his disciples to feed his lambs as 
well as sheep, but to set the example himself and 
nowhere in all the book of inspiration do we find more 
encouragement to the fearful seeking soul than is con- 
tained in these words under consideration. Doubtless 
there were some Christians listening to Jesus, who truly 
believed all that were chosen in Christ before the foun- 
dation of the world would in time believe on him unto 
salvation, according to the working of his (God's) 
mighty power, but were fearful that they were not 
among that favored number; there are many now, in 
fact almost all when first convicted of sin, really believe 
in the truth of the first clause of our text, but they feel 
they are so sinful, so vile that they cannot be among 
these who were given to Christ by the Father to re- 
deem from all iniquity. It is to just such characters 



82 Writings of Arthur Cox. 

as these that the latter clause of this verse is especially 
addressed. Our Savior teaches them in it to discard all 
fear of not being accepted on account of their sinful- 
ness and says: "Him that cometh to me (no matter 
who, whether he be Jew or Gentile, bond or free, black 
or white, rich or poor,) I will in no wise cast out." 
How nicely this agrees with all the invitations con- 
tained in the Scripture as: "Come unto me all ye that 
labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest, 
take my yoke upon you and learn of me, for I am meek 
and lowly in heart and ye shall find rest unto your 
souls, for my yoke is easy and my burden is light." 
We might go on and fill pages, quoting the beautiful 
Gospel invitations, some to the hungry and thirsty, 
others to the blind, halt, and lame. They that are 
whole need not a physician, but they that are sick; 
Christ himself says : "I came not to call the righteous, 
but sinners to repentance." It is a blessed truth that 
none have ever yet, (and never will) come to Christ 
and be turned away empty. He who by his grace 
prompts the sinner to pray, waits to answer prayer, 
hence it is written: "Ask and ye shall receive, seek 
and ye shall find, knock and it shall be opened unto 
you." Oh, what an encouragment there is in the word 
of God for every poor sinner who feels any true desire 
at all for the Savior's presence in his heart; the Scrip- 
tures abound in telling such an one that his desire is not 



Writings of Arthur Cox. 83 

natural, but is planted there by the Holy Spirit, and 
"he which hath begun a good work in you, will per- 
form it until the day of Jesus Christ." Let us, who 
feel true sorrow for sin, ask ourselves the question, was 
it always thus? Could we always with Paul cry out: 
"Oh, wretched man that I am, who shall deliver me 
from the body of this death?" I think all who have 
these feelings will, with me, have to admit that there 
was a time when they had no concern about their soul's 
eternal welfare, when they were thinking of nothing but 
worldly matters. And so each one who feels this 
change can say, "By the grace of God, I am what I 
am." Thus giving all glory of their salvation to the 
triune, Father, Son and Holy Ghost. 




84 Writings of Arthur Cox. 



Debt is one of the greatest curses of the present 
age. Time would fail me to tell of the restless nights, 
and broken hearts, and the black dishonesty brought 
about by this treacherous serpent. I give it this name, 
because, like the rattlesnake, it has a very fascinating 
appearance, but its fangs are full of venom. 

The Scriptures, our infallible guide, are quite posi- 
tive upon this subject, there is no ambiguity whatever 
in the expression, "Owe no man anything." Many 
try to explain away this passage by telling us that it 
means pay your debts when they are due, but I think 
the late C. H. Spurgeon has the true idea, when he 
says that; "the sense of the quotation is," that we 
should have no debts to become due. I am confident 
that money would be more plentiful, trade better and 
failure and dishonesty much less prevalent, if it were 
the 'motto of every one to "pay as he goes." 

All who are in business know what a strong hold 
the principle of going in debt has gained upon the 
masses. Why, there are actually some people who 
could not enjoy life if they were to obey Paul's exhor- 
tation to "owe no man anything." This class has be- 



Writings of Arthur Cox. 85 

come so accustomed to contracting debts that it is 
second nature to them to buy on credit. 

Where is the man who will not purchase at least 
just a little recklessly if he is buying on a term of 
credit? This is human nature. We look into the future 
and we reason thus: "Well, the crops are looking fine, 
and the season seems propitious, so it will not be at all 
risky to buy this little thing." Then after awhile more 
expensive articles will be purchased. The season 
closes and perhaps the harvest is quite scanty, so much 
so that not enough has been made to pay. off, and the 
man who possibly would not, for the world, cause harm 
to anyone, is by his nonpayment forcing bankruptcy 
and ruin to stare his merchant in the face. 

If however, our condition is such that we seem com- 
pelled to let the evil habit of debt-making obtain a 
little hold on us, we should, as soon as possible, loosen 
his grip. That is, we should make strenuous effort to 
pay up all we owe whenever it falls due. And until 
this is done, all the property that we possess should be 
regarded as not belonging to us, but as held in trust by 
us until the claims of our creditors are satisfied. 

While I would do all in my power to incite every 
one to strive to fulfill all his obligations, I wish with all 
the earnestness I can command, to urge every one to be 
sure to pay for his church paper, so that with a clear 
conscience and a fearless eye, he can look the editor in 



86 Writings of Arthur Cox. 

the face, and know he is not the cause of the financial 
strain he may be under. 

Some good brethren seem to think that the debt for 
their church paper is something for which they may de- 
fer payment until they have bought everything they 
want and happen to have a sum of money left over. 
These things ought not to be. If the date upon the 
wrapper of our paper is a very ancient one, we should 
feel a sense of shame until we have made a noble effort 
to pay up to date: and, if possible, one year in ad- 
vance. There is hardly ever a subscriber, be he ever 
so poor, who cannot subscribe for his denominational 
paper and keep the date upon the wrapper always in 
the future. Where is the man that does not spend for 
things, with which he could well dispense, enough to 
pay for at least one or two subscriptions? If many of 
the delinquents knew in what an awkward position, 
financially, it placed the editor, to have a large sum of 
money, of which he is in need, due him, I am confident 
they would strain every nerve to pay up. 






Writings of Arthur Cox. 87 



# 

"Faith without works is dead." (James ii:26.) 

We see by the above language, that for a man to 
profess to have faith in Christ and at the same time not 
delight in the law of God, is a contradiction. It is just 
as natural for all the truly faithful to love to serve God 
as it is for a fish to crave water; for in regeneration the 
spiritual man is born from above, and the Bible, in un- 
equivocal language, says, "Whosoever is born of God 
doth not commit sin, for his seed remaineth in him, and 
he cannot sin because he is born of God." (I. John 
iii :g. ) Not that the saint never commits sin, but rather 
the inner man, or that which is regenerated, never sins 
but always abhors wrong in any form. For this reason 
there is continual warfare in the Christian's bosom, be- 
tween the flesh, which is not changed until the resur- 
rection and the Spirit; as Paul describes it, "For I 
delight in the law of God after the inward man ; but I 
see another law in my members warring against the law 
of my mind." (Rom vii:22, 23.) But, blessed be 
God, while it is true that in the flesh dwells no good 
thing, yet, through grace, the Christian's life is a glo- 
rious victory over sin. In other words, notwithstanding 



88 Writings of Arthur Cox. 

the fact that the saint has the same evil propensities 
that he always had, yet, through the Spirit of God 
dwelling in him, he is enabled, to a large extent, to 
keep in subjection his carnal nature and live a godly life. 

In this age we see much profession with, it is to be 
feared, but little vital godliness. Religion, in the esti- 
mation of many, seems to be merely a thing of fashion; 
numbers professing godliness to be popular with their 
associates, while others join the church simply to ad- 
vance their money-making interests. What would our 
fathers, a century ago, have thought, to see those who 
claim to have the love of God in their hearts, sitting 
around stores and gossiping rather than go to the house 
where prayer is wont to be made; or contaminating the 
hands they claim are consecrated to God, by handling 
and playing with cards whose history is as black as per- 
dition and smeared with blood and crime on every page ; 
or to see them always ready to tell some yarn or inde- 
cent joke, while the Scriptures command us to leave off 
all filthy conversation? 

What business have God's children in the ball room? 
True, they may not dance, but whenever they willfully 
frequent such places they are sanctioning the unholy 
practice, which is justly calculated to entice from the 
path of moral rectitude. It is the same with regard to 
many other worldly practices which, at the first glance, 
seem to be harmless, but when we take off the deceitful 



Writings of Arthur Cox. 89 

and glittering coat, they are seen in their true light. 
The Scriptures command us to avoid the very appear- 
ance of evil; hence, the necessity of carefulness in our 
walk before men is apparent. 

We may make a profession of religion , but if there is 
no change of heart, effecting a change of life, we are 
either deluded or practicing hypocrisy. The Savior, 
when upon earth, said: "By their fruits ye shall know 
them," and this truth comes to us with just as much 
force to-day. When we see an apple tree bearing fruit 
we judge of its kind by the production. Not that its 
bearing this kind of fruit makes it an apple tree, but it 
bears apples because it is an apple tree, and it is natural 
for it to bear fruit after its kind. So it is, only in a 
much higher sense, regarding Christianity. If the stony 
heart is taken away and a heart of flesh is given, there 
will always be a change of life. The things once hated 
will now be loved and vice versa. 

Kind reader, let us pause for a moment, and, by 
self examination, try to ascertain upon what foundation 
we are standing. There are but two conditions spirit- 
ually, and we must be in one of these. We are either 
saved or unsaved. We may be church members and 
deceive ourselves as well as others, but one thing is 
certain ; when we come into the presence of Almighty 
God, no mere head knowledge of the doctrines of grace, 
no profession of religion or pleading of ignorance will 



90 Writings of Arthur Cox. 

avail aught. At that solemn moment nothing but the 
righteousness of Jesus will stand the test of God's infinite 
law; and, unless we are in him, then all pleading will 
be fruitless. The divine edict has gone forth, "By the 
deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his 
sight." (Rom. iii : 20. ) And so it is evident that our 
works or self-righteousness will not do to depend upon. 
We may live a moral life, but nothing short of Jesus' 
precious blood will merit for us eternal salvation. 

My prayer is that God may enable us, by his Spirit, 
to cry from the heart : 

"Rock of ages, cleft for me. 
Let me hide myself in thee." 




Writings of Arthur Cox. 91 

# 

[I find amongst my brother's papers the following remarks, which 
were made by him at the close of a sermon on Romans vi:23. — B. C] 

We have clearly seen by the light of this precious 
volume, that death, in all its varied forms, comes as the 
wages of sin, and that all spiritual blessings are the free 
and gracious gifts of Jehovah, through the atoning sac- 
rifice of his ever to be adored son, Jesus Christ. 

Now, my dear friends, let each of us turn the eye of 
examination within and make the matter personal, so as 
to see which part of this text applies to us individually. 
We are, even at this moment, either earning wages under 
the Prince of Darkness, or we are enjoying the free gift 
of salvation from the bountiful hand of heavenly love. 

Beloved, 'tis a sweet thought to realize that, while 
"the wages of sin is death," yet the gift of God is 
eternal life. Well may we take our harps down from 
the willows and join with all the redeemed in chanting 
songs of praise, since our precious counselor and advo- 
cate has conquered sin, death and hell, and now stands 
at the right hand of the Majesty on high, to plead for 
those whose sins he bore. 

We, whose hopes are centered in God, whose feet 
are standing firm upon the Rock of Ages, whose names 
are enrolled in the Book of Life, may walk through the 
valley of the shadow of death without a fear, since now 
no sting is there for us ; we may lay down in the cold 
and narrow grave and fear no evil, for its bands have 
been burst, so that it, too, hath no dominion over us. 



92 Writings of Arthur Cox. 

gttyxmtf* ©Ijilfcrim be ® aug tyt the 
gjxxhj §tcvxptxxve&+ 

[N. B. — My brother was prompted to write this article because the 
Old School Baptist Church, of which he was then a member, was made 
up largely of enemies to the "Sunday School" in any form whatever. 
—B. C] 

This is a question which must present itself to every 
one who fully believes in the inspiration of the Bible : 
but it seems to me that it comes with still more force 
to those who have children of their own who are near 
and dear to them ; for whose welfare they would almost 
lay down their lives. 

We want to notice in this little article, first: What 
the Scriptures say regarding the matter; and then see 
what good is likely to accrue from the practice. The 
first is certainly the most important ; for it matters not 
how good and promising a doctrine or practice may 
appear to be, if it is contrary to the teachings of God's 
most sacred word, it should be discarded. We should 
at all times have the spirit of the noted Augustine, 
when he said, "It availeth not what I say, what you 
say, what he says; but what saith the Lord." So 
then we will turn "to the law and to the testimony," 
and see if they speak according to this word. In Deut. 



Writings of Arthur Cox. 93 

iv:io, we hear God commanding Moses to "Gather 
me the people together, and I will make them hear my 
words, that they may learn to fear me all the days that 
they shall live upon the earth, and that they may teach 
their children . " In Deut. xxxii:46, we read, "And 
he (Moses) said unto them, set your hearts unto all the 
words which I testify among you this day, which ye 
shall command your children to observe to do, all the 
words of this law." See also the sixth chapter and 
seventh verse of this same book. I might thus go on 
and fill pages quoting Scripture proving beyond a doubt 
that it is not only the privilege of God's people to 
teach their children the letter of the Bible but it is a 
duty which should not be shirked. Where could we 
find language plainer on the subject and less shrouded 
in obscurity, than is recorded in the 12th and 13th 
verses of the 31st chapter of Deuteronomy — "Gather 
me the people together, men and women and children 
and the stranger that is within thy gates; that they 
hear, and that they may learn, and fear the Lord your 
God and observe to do all the words of this law; and 
that their children which have not known, may hear 
and learn to fear the Lord your God." Of course we 
who hold to the Bible doctrine of salvation by grace 
and man's total depravity do not believe any person 
can teach another, no matter how young or aged he 
may be, the religion of the Lord Jesus Christ; because 



94 Writings of Arthur Cox. 

that comes alone by divine revelation. As Jesus said 
unto Peter, when he asserted that Jesus was "the 
Christ, the son of the living God" — "Blessed art thou, 
Simon Barjona ; for flesh and blood hath not revealed 
it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven." But 
that children can and should be instructed in the letter 
of the Bible is a fact which cannot be refuted ; and that 
is what these Scriptures just quoted have reference to. 
Almost every one of the inspired writers have some- 
thing to say regarding the matter; but oh how I fear 
the subject is being neglected among the people of 
truth to-day. How many old Baptist homes can we 
find now where the father or mother make a practice of 
gathering their dear little children around them and en- 
gaging in family worship? How often could we hear 
parents pleading with God in the presence of their 
children, for guidance and strength, that they may be 
enabled to heed the injunction of Paul "to bring them 
up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord," looking 
unto God at all times tor grace and power to perform 
the duty. And while we realize our inability to pro- 
duce faith in the heart or cause by any power we have, 
one person to become wise unto salvation ; let us look 
beyond the power of finite man, and pray that God 
may be pleased to send his Holy Spirit to open the 
heart, and then the Scriptures will produce wisdom unto 
salvation, through faith which is in Christ. We are 



Writings of Arthur Cox. 95 

natural and can produce but natural results. How few 
men and women are there now of whom it could be 
said as it was of Timothy, "From a child thou hast 
known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make thee 
wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ," 
True many children are being taught, what is called the 
word of God ; but much of the teaching which passes 
now for Gospel, would if weighed in the balances of 
God's eternal truth, be found not only wanting, but 
spurious, in that peace is proclaimed, when there is no 
peace; and the wall is, as Ezekiel described it; daubed 
with untempered mortar. In these hotbeds of free will, 
children are made to believe that God is not an all-pow- 
erful being as the Scriptures so plainly testify. So by 
these false teachers the scepter of supreme power is 
wrenched from the hands of God, and the issues be- 
tween life and death are placed with puny finite man, 
while the Book of inspiration clearly states: "He that 
is our God is the God of salvation, and unto God the 
Lord belong the issues from death. ' ; ( Psalms lxviii : 20. ) 
I think enough Scripture has been quoted to show that 
teaching children the word of God was not only com- 
manded in the days of inspiration, but was practiced by 
the people of God at that time and therefore for these 
reasons alone it should be done by them now. 

I promised in the opening to say something of the 
good which is likely to attend the practice, and of 



96 Writings of Arthur Cox. 

course, in so small an article, I will not be able to dwell 
on this part of the subject in all its fulness. It has 
been said that a Roman Catholic priest once made the 
following assertion: ''Give me the rearing of your chil- 
dren until they are 9 years of age and I care not who 
has them afterward." There is, in my opinion, a great 
deal to be learned from this; namely: The importance 
of proper training for children during the tender years 
of infancy, when their minds are so like wax to receive 
impressions and so like marble to retain them. It is an 
old, and in many instances, truthful maxim, "As a twig 
is bent, so the tree inclines," and I am not fearful of 
refutation in saying that almost every natural man, no 
matter who he be, has the same conceptions regarding 
God's word, that he formed before the age of maturity; 
of course there are some exceptions, but I think they 
will be found very rare. How important, then, is it 
that children be taught the grand moral truths con- 
tained in God's word which will help to guide their 
feet in the paths of truth and equity, and which will 
also counteract the enormous deadly flood of immo- 
rality, profanity and dishonesty, which they will be 
bound to encounter throughout life's journey. 

Do not let us settle down and endeavor to put the 
matter from our minds by persuading ourselves that 
children will, without aid or teaching, grow up in the 
right path; for such is not the case. Judging from all 



Writings of Arthur Cox. 97 

appearances this has been tried enough by many, and a 
complete failure has been the result. I have actually 
heard members of the church almost brag about not 
taking their sons or daughters to a place of worship 
and not talking to them at all on religious subjects. We 
see many children of Old Baptists who plainly show by 
their conversation and actions that the wholesome 
teachings of the Book of inspiration are unknown to 
them. Taking all these things into consideration, need 
we be surprised at seeing the children of true Christians 
going off into immorality, profanity and in some cases 
infidelity? What else could we expect? The reason 
why so many of the children of Old Baptists, even after 
conversion, join other denominations is because their 
parents have never taught them the blessed truths of 
Christianity when young; and perhaps if they attended 
the Old Baptist ministry they would go away dis- 
gusted at seeing the preacher manifest the spirit of 
anti-Christ in abusing others instead of preaching the 
Gospel. Brethren and sisters, let us take more interest 
in the children. Every man is one of two things; 
either a skeptic or a believer in the inspiration of the 
Bible. And the things inculcated during childhood 
have much to do with making him one of these things. 
It may be argued that children brought up in vice and 
immorality often reform and make good men and 
women; and on the other hand, those reared with care 
and attention sometimes make the most wicked people. 

c 4 



— ~^mmmimmmmBmBmmmmBmmmBBBmma& 



98 Writings of Arthur Cox. 

Of course in some instances this is true, and, if it were 
not so, the old adage ''There are exceptions to every 
rule," would be false. But if the training of children 
does not have much to do with their after life, then the 
wise man was mistaken when he said, "Train up a 
child in the way he should go, and when he is old he 
will not depart from it." (Prov. XXII :6.) 

Even if the teaching of the Scripture is not accom- 
panied by the regenerating power of God opening the 
hearts of those taught that they may attend unto the 
things that are spoken, it will accomplish no small 
amount of good. How pleasant it is to see a child well 
behaved in church; truthful, and honest; respecting its 
elders; conversant with Bible teachings; shunning all 
manner of vice; in other words, "Brought up in the 
nurture and admonition of the Lord." How nice it is 
to see a man, be he young or old, favorable toward 
Christianity, respecting religious worship; one who can 
converse without bringing out an oath with almost every 
utterance, and who is respected by all for his integrity, 
sobriety and honesty. These things are many times 
brought about by the inculcation in childhood of the prin- 
ciples taught in God's word So let us, who have been 
made the recipients of God's free and matchless love, and 
who have the welfare of his cause at heart, seek all 
the opportunities we can of teaching to every creature 
the glorious principles of truth found in the Scriptures. 



Writings of Arthur Cox. 99 

Some may say, "If I believed like you, I would at 
once be in favor of Sunday Schools." Well before I 
answer, it will have to be explained what is meant by 
Sunday Schools." If the meeting together of men, 
women and children at stated times to read, meditate 
upon and teach God's most sacred word is meant, I will 
have to plead guilty to the charge of believing in Sun- 
day Schools. But if is meant some of the modern 
institutions where children are taught false doctrine, 
then we would have to be excused. It is not when or 
where children are taught which is of any importance; 
but what they are taught is that about which there should 
be concern, I pray God that the time may come when 
the churches of truth in this country will take more in- 
terest in the teaching of children God's word as they do 
in England. There they have Sunday Schools where 
children are made acquainted with the Bible; they 
are taught the condition all men are in by nature, and 
that the religion of the Lord Jesus Christ cannot be ac- 
quired by any human being, neither savingly taught to 
any one by finite man; but comes alone by revelation 
from God. It may be argued by some that there is 
nothing in the Bible to uphold such a practice, but that 
is a mistake as I have clearly proven from the Scriptures 
that it is the duty of all Christians to do what they can 
towards teaching the truths of God's word to both 
young and old; and as I said in the opening of this 
article when or where that teaching is done, or 
what it is called is of no importance; the principal 



100 Writings of Arthur Cox. 

thing being what is taught. There are some Old Bap- 
tists who would not think of taking part in or even fel- 
lowshiping a Sunday School no matter how scripturally 
conducted, and yet these same persons will send or per- 
mit their dear children to go to Sunday Schools where 
many of the leading truths of God's word are either 
held back or denied. They may be right in such pro- 
cedure, but I fail to see it. How much better it would 
be to send them, or better still to take them, where you 
know nothing but pure Bible truth will be promulgated. 
Fathers send their children to public schools to study, 
and there they are taught profane history written by 
finite man, who is ever liable to err. How much more 
important should it be then for our children to be 
taught the sacred history, written by inspired men as 
the Spirit gave them utterance and which we know to 
be authentic. And while it is true we can only teach the 
natural history or letter of .the Bible, let us pray God 
to send the power of his Holy Spirit with the teaching 
that those we are instructing may be spiritually taught 
of the Lord. Oh, may God in his matchless love and 
wisdom give all his people grace enabling them to obey 
the command of God as recorded in the 18th and 19th 
verses of the eleventh chapter of Deuteronomy, "There- 
fore ye shall lay up these my words in your heart and 
in your soul. * * * And ye shall teach them to 
your children; speaking of them when thou sittest in 
thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and 
when thou liest down, and when thou risest up." 



Writings of Arthur Cox. 101 

Many times in God's word pastors are compared to 
shepherds, and to understand how clearly the true shep- 
herd represents every God sent pastor, it becomes nec- 
essary to know something of sheep raising in the East. 

The point that I especially wish to emphasize in this 
article is that the life of the shepherd is inseparably 
connected with his flock. He does not do as the shep- 
herds with whom we are familiar, that is put the sheep 
in the fold at night and go away to some comfortable 
house and lay upon his couch while his flock, as best it 
can, lives through the dangers of darkness. We see, 
then, that one man could not possibly be the shepherd 
of two flocks at the same time, for while he was keeping 
the wolves from one the other might be destroyed. 
Now, in my opinion, in like manner no man can be the 
pastor of more than one church. 

Do not understand me to mean that a minister can 
dispense the word of truth to only one church, no in- 
deed, he can supply the pulpits of many, but, brethren, 
this is not being a pastor. 

Suppose that a man, at stated times, say once or 
twice a month, goes to a flock of sheep, feeds them, 



102 Writings of Arthur Cox. 

notices how they are getting along, and then leaves, 
could we call him the shepherd of this flock? Most 
assuredly we could not. Yet it would be just as con- 
sistent for us to do so as to call a minister the pastor of 
a church who supplies the pulpit two or three days in 
every month. I am afraid that among our denomina- 
tion there are many who do not fully comprehend the 
duties of pastoral work. 

First, in my humble judgment, it is absolutely nec- 
essary that the pastor reside with his flock, that is, 
where he can visit them, notice their lives and conver- 
sation, and see in what points they need instruction and 
along what line rebuke is necessary. He should mingle 
with his people, preach to them in their parlors by a 
chaste conversation, and proclaim the beauties of re- 
deeming love by a godly walk that his flock may see 
him and follow in his footsteps. 

Among the English Strict and Particular Baptists 
the supply system is used quite extensively. A church 
will invite a preacher to supply her pulpit, mind you 
not call him for her pastor, but simply invite him to 
preach; and sometimes the same minister will thus pro- 
claim the truth every Sunday for them for a long time. 
This supply system is doubtless abused by a few churches 
which are financially able to support a pastor, but it is 
a very good thing in some respects, because through it 
many churches have the truth dispensed in their pulpits 



Writings of Arthur Cox. 103 

which would otherwise be destitute of preaching. Now 
the great trouble with us in America is that we too have 
the supply system, but we don't seem to know it; we, 
as churches, often call a man to fill the pulpit perhaps 
once a month, and look upon him as pastor of the church 
or churches to which he is preaching. 

If this practice of one minister being regarded as the 
pastor of several churches be wrong, it must certainly 
manifest itself by its effects, according to the old proverb, 
"A tree is known by its fruits." Let us then look 
briefly at a few of the results of this system. First t it 
has encouraged churches to become careless in regard to 
the support of the ministry . A church calls a pastor to 
serve her, say one Saturday and Sunday in every month, 
and each member reasons very much in this manner : 
"Yes, I believe in supporting the ministry, Oh, yes! I 
can't conceive how any man can be a Christian and not 
hold that ministers should be well paid ; now our pastor 
devotes two days in each month to the service of our 
church, that's twenty-four days every year; well I think 
that we ought, say in a church with a membership of 
fifty or one hundred, to get him up at least from twenty- 
five to thirty dollars a year. Do you, brethren, think 
that God will prosper a church which is lifting its arm 
of rebellion against him in this manner. The Scriptures 
declare that they which are of the Gospel shall live of 
the Gospel, and yet many of our churches which are 



104 Writings of Arthur Cox. 

sufficiently strong to call a pastor to live among them, 
devote all his time, talent and energy to their service, 
are content with having a Saturday and Sunday meeting 
in each month and giving him in return a mere pittance 
expecting him to serve other churches and engage in 
secular business for a living. 

Would to God that our churches would wake up to 
their true condition, and if they are, in the biblical sense 
of the word, pastorless, may they cry mightily unto 
God for an under shepherd and be ever ready to hold 
up his hands both by their spiritual and material assist- 
ance. A second trouble, which must follow the first 
mentioned, is that God'' 's ministers are prevented from 
devoting their whole time to the ministry . It is very easy 
for a person to discuss at length whether or not it is 
right for preachers to engage in secular business, but 
permit me to say that no one can answer this question 
rightly save the minister himself. No one knows his 
situation but the omniscient One. Many a one of God's 
servants is placed in an extremely awkward position. 
His heart is heavy with the thought, "Woe unto me if 
I preach not the Gospel;" his zeal with unabating fire 
tells him to throw up every business tie and go into the 
ministerial work untrammeled ; but upon every hand 
he sees churches not doing their duty by their pastors, 
he witnesses the hardships endured by the families of 
many preachers, he looks into the eyes of his loving 



Writ bigs of Arthur Cox. 105 

wife, he takes the hands of his trusting children and to 
his dazed mind comes the declaration of the living God, 
"But if any provide not for his own, and specially for 
those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is 
worse than an infidel." 

Xow what can he do? He must not cease to pro- 
claim the glories of the cross to a dying world! Xo, 
never ! Better lose his life ! Neither can he rise above 
the ties of his family. 

There is then but one thing to be done. He must 
depend upon a secular calling for his support, and while 
he may serve ever so many churches, yet he can never 
be a true pastor in the full meaning of the word. 

In conclusion, note the result of these two evils 
which have, to a large extent, grown out of the churches 
failing to fully comprehend what it requires to make a 
pastor. The result is the scarcity of consecrated, God- 
fearing ministers. Ought we to be surprised at God's 
not sending to the churches men after his own heart, so 
long as those whom he has sent are not provided for? 
Is it any wonder that more men are not impressed to 
preach when so many who have been called are holding 
on to the fishing tackle with one hand while with the 
other they beckon the tempest tossed to come to the 
ark of safety? 

Jesus Christ, when upon earth, said : "The harvest 
truly is plenteous, but the laborers are few; pray ye 



106 Writings of Arthur Cox. 

therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth 
laborers into his harvest." Now if God's people neg- 
lect this command, by being content with one pastor for 
three or four churches, if they refuse to pray for more 
laborers, and they cannot consistently pray for more 
until they treat those which they have in a Scriptural 
manner, would it not be strange for many more devoted 
servants to be placed in the field? 

When shall we, as a people, fully realize that to 
petition for a thing which we do not strive to acquire is 
mockery? When shall we learn that a prayer for God 
to station upon the walls of Zion, men who will not fail 
to blow the trumpet with a certain sound, for a man who 
does not liberally give of his means for ministerial support 
is in God's ears as the "sounding of brass or the tinkling 
of a cymbal?" In other words, will ever the time come 
when we can feelingly say with James, "Faith without 
works is dead, being alone?" 

My earnest prayer is that God may arouse us to 
such zeal and activity that no church will feel satisfied 
until she has a pastor settled among her members, un- 
trammeled b>; worldly occupation, and well supported 
by both prayer and purse. 



Writings of Arthur Cox. 107 

* 

I know of no religious order, no matter how strongly 
missionary it may be, which does not have among its 
membership some who are opposed to mission work ; and 
one of the reasons they give is that they believe that all 
the heathen who are in ignorance of the Gospel will be 
saved because of their ignorance. But I find no place 
in the Scriptures to justify such a belief, but very 
much against it. Jesus plainly said, "He that believeth 
and is baptized shall be saved, but he that believeth not 
shall be damned." (Mark xvi:i6.) He did not say 
that unbelievers will be damned if they never heard the 
Gospel so that they were without excuse; but without 
any proviso whatever he said, "He that believeth not 
shall be damned." Paul also says, in writing to the 
church at Rome, "For as many as have sinned without 
law shall also perish without law; as many as have 
sinned in the law shall be judged by the law." And 
again when he stood up so boldly on Mars Hill and 
preached to the idolatrous Athenians he said to them, 
"And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but 
now commandeth all men everywhere to repent." I 
firmly believe that everyone, whether he be white or 
black, bond or free, young or old, no matter whether 
he has heard the Gospel or not, who dies without re- 
pentance toward God and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ 
will be eternally lost. 

Some of our anti-missionaries will argue that if there 



108 Writings of Arthur Cox. 

are any of the elect in heathen darkness God will save 
them without even hearing anything whatever (with 
their natural ears) about Christ. I can agree with them 
in that all the redeemed, no matter who or where they 
may be, will be saved ; and they may be right that God 
will save them without them ever hearing of Christ, but 
I cannot see it that way. In fact I know of no verse in 
the Bible to support such an idea, and whenever I hear 
any one advocate that theory I cannot keep from asking 
some questions Paul asks, and which never have been 
nor never can be satisfactorily answered, i. e., "How 
then shall they call on him in whom they have not be- 
lieved? and how shall they believe in him of whom they 
have not heard? and how shall they hear without a 
preacher? and how shall he preach except he be sent?" 
Another subterfuge much used by some of this class 
is the argument that the great commission given by 
Christ to his disciples was fulfilled by them, and in con- 
sequence of this it has gone out of force; in other words 
because it \vas fulfilled by them it does not have to be 
fulfilled by us at this age. Abundant Bible proof could 
be adduced that this theory is false, but it is so puerile 
and absurdly ridiculous that any one at a glance can see 
its unscripturalness, and hence it would be wasting time 
and paper to refute it. I will say, however, that if the 
commission was not given to us as much as to the 
apostles, Christ would not have followed it up by say- 
ing, "And lo I am with you always even unto the end 
of the world." (See Matt, xxviii : 18-20.) 



Writings of Arthur Cox. 109 

*&0cietxe&+ 

* 

No subject can be mentioned on which there are not 
a number of extremists; aud this is no exception to the 
rule. 

The majority are now completely carried away with 
the society-craze, as a writer has well said, "When a 
man feels impressed to do any good work instead of 
proceeding to accomplish it, he organizes a society." 

It is certainly necessary, in this age, for ministers to 
have a good memory, because it requires one to an- 
nounce the meetings of the different societies now ap- 
pended to the average church. What with the Aid, 
Endeavor, Christian Union, and other societies and as- 
sociations, if one does his duty (?) in being present at 
all these organizations but little time is left for attending 
the old fashioned prayer meeting which has always 
been blessed for much good, and the regular preaching 
of the Gospel, which under God's blessing produces 
benefits hardly to be over estimated. Surely a church 
is standing upon a sandy foundation when it becomes 
necessary to endeavor to link together worldly pleasure 
and religious worship to hold the young people. And 
yet this is just what is being done to a large extent in 



110 Writings of Arthur Cox. 

many of the church societies of modern times. Now 
the fact that these things are so, is not a reason why we 
should plunge headlong into the errors of many of our 
ultra-brethren in condemning all societies, no matter 
for what they are organized. It is a stain on the his- 
tory of the Baptists of the nineteenth century, that 
many claiming to be primitive in origin, scriptural in 
doctrine, and Christ-like in practice, have become so 
obstinate in their extreme view that they have, in a 
peremtory manner, declared "non-fellowship for all the 
religious institutions of the day, including Sunday 
Schools, Bible and Tract societies, and all benevolent 
organizations," 

Let us hope that those who sent forth to the world 
this sentiment, as belonging in any sense to Christianity, 
did not know the meaning of the word benevolent. It 
is derived from the Latin, benevolens or bene, well; and 
volo to wish, or will, and the definition as given by 
Webster is : "Having a disposition to do good; pos- 
sessing love to mankind, and a desire to promote their 
prosperity and happiness." Does the spirit of Christi- 
anity prompt to this act of misanthropy? Can a pre- 
cedent be found anywhere within the sacred lids of in- 
spiration? Of course you answer, no. Jesus Christ is 
the greatest philanthropist that ever lived. While he 
was on earth he was continually going about doing acts 
of benevolence. In fact his whole life was spent in 



Writings of Arthur Cox. \\\ 

doing good to others. Shall we, then, condemn any 
who now try to follow him, in this respect, even though 
they may do good in the capacity of a society? 

I maintain that an institution of charity, organized 
for the sole purpose of benefiting mankind, is good and 
should be assisted by all who can do so. Bible societies 
are also very useful; they annually send forth thousands 
of copies of God's Holy Word undarkened by errone- 
ous teaching. Shall we, because much that is now 
taught for Gospel is unscriptural, arraign ourselves 
against a movement to circulate the pure word of God, 
which is able to make men wise unto salvation through 
faith in Christ? 

This extreme mandate; sent forth by so many Old 
School Baptists, was brought about by their endeav- 
oring to avoid the error of putting too much trust in 
societies, and not enough in the power of God. But in 
doing this they have over-stepped the mark, and have 
gone into ultraism equally as unscriptural as the society- 
craze, and certainly much more harmful. 

My prayer is that God may wake up his people to 
the Christian zeal and activity of former ages; and 
through the power of his Spirit cause them to ever walk 
in the footprints of Jesus, doing good unto all men, 
but especially to the household of faith. 



112 Writings of Arthur Cox. 

# 

Whenever you hear a man begin to oppose creeds, 
look out ! for in almost every instance he has some 
erroneous doctrine to advocate and a creed founded 
upon the Bible stands as an inseparable barrier to the 
growth of his heresy. 

If no one tried to warp and explain away portions 
of God's word, then we might talk of abolishing creeds. 
But as long as all denominations and sects claim to stand 
upon the same rock of truth, how can clear unequivocal 
declarations of doctrines be dispensed with? If the 
plain statements of Scripture without explanation were 
the test of fellowship, then in the same church we would 
have the Calvinist and Arminian, the Trinitarian and 
Unitarian, the Protestant and Catholic. Indeed the 
history of such a church would be one long list of bitter 
disputes and contentions, and.no time whatever would 
be left for the service of thy great giver of all good. 

To say that creeds and confessions of faith are ob- 
jectionable because they circumscribe divine truths and 
are of man, is very poor argument, for the same course 
of reasoning will apply equally as well to the proclama- 
tion of God's word from the pulpit. If we are to abol- 



Writings of Arthur Cox. 113 

ish all creeds because they add to the Bible, then we 
must also, to be consistent, call in the credentials of 
every minister and forbid anyone to give expositions of 
the Scriptures in our churches. 

I firmly believe that every Gospel church should 
have a "confession of faith" so plain and positive in its 
statements, that no one holding to erroneous tenets, 
whether they be Arminian or Fatalistic, will ever claim 
to stand thereon. 

We ought not to worship our creed instead of God, 
nor substitute it for the Bible, but we should have one 
simply to do away with needless contentions and dis- 
putations. 




\>^ 



114 Writings of Arthur Cox. 

# 

We are told by the psalmist, "He giveth to the 
beast his food and to the young raven which cry." 
Which clearly shows God's care of the fowls of the air 
and the beasts of the field. This one fact alone should 
be sufficient to forever banish the worrying and anxiety 
to which we are so prone to give way. There are 
some people who are always carrying about with them 
three classes of burdens, i. e., those of yesterday, 
those of to-day, and looking forward with dark antici- 
pation they borrow those of to-morrow, thus increasing 
three-fold their troubles ; when Christ plainly says : 
"Take therefore no thought for the morrow, for the 
morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Suf- 
ficient unto the day is the evil thereof." It is the 
height of folly for even the worldling to look forward 
continually for troubles which never come. 

We need only to carry the burdens of to-day. But 
blessed be God, the Christian does not have to do that 
since he has a burden bearer who is able to carry all the 
troubles of his people and who has said: "Come unto 
me all ye that labor and are heavy laden and I will give 
you rest." It behooves the child of God, then, to fol- 



Writings of Arthur Cox. 115 

low the advice of Peter: ''Casting all your care upon 
him, for he careth for you." Let us, brethren and 
sisters, be careful to avoid unnecessary grumbling and 
peevish discontent. By looking on the bright side 
everyone will not only make his own life brighter, but 
others also will feel the benefit by being cheered as they 
walk through the valley of trouble. 

It is related that a gentleman, while taking a walk, 
met a little boy with a basket of beautiful blackberries. 
He looked at the youth and said: "How do you do, 
Sammy? Where did you get such fine berries?" 
"Over there in the briers," the boy answered. "Your 
mother will be pleased with them, will she not?" asked 
the man. "Oh, yes," replied the boy, mother is al- 
ways pleased when I hold up the berries and say noth- 
ing of the briers in my feet." The man went his way, 
resolving from that day to always look on the bright 
side, and to "Hold up the berries, but say nothing 
about the briers." 




116 Writings of Arthur Cox. 



gailxn$& cf t*j* Ancient ^oxihis*. 

* 

Skeptics love to rejoice over the misdeeds of the 
ancient worthies, and cannot understand why they were 
recorded upon the sacred page, but not so with the 
spiritually taught soul; he knows that all Scripture 
"given by inspiration of God is profitable." When we 
read of the failings of Noah, the sins of David, and the 
fall of Peter, we realize that if men so great in godliness 
made missteps and were afterwards led back into the 
path of rectitude, surely we too shall be kept by the 
same gracious power, which caused a penitent David to 
cry out, "Deliver me from blood-guiltiness, O God!" 
and which made the tears of contrition flow from the 
eyes of sorrowful Peter. 

The Christian's meditating upon the sins of the old 
Patriarchs, does not in the least tend to licentiousness, 
but it is rather an incentive to greater effort to live 
godly in Christ Jesus, for if men of such prominence in 
the Christian life acted, at times, imprudently, how 
plainly ought it to teach us that humanity is too weak, 
spiritually, to stand alone, and that our security is in 
God himself; and in consequence of this we will be 
more watchful in our lives, ever remembering the exhor- 



Writings of Arthur Cox. 117 

tation of the apostle Paul, "Let him that thinketh he 
standeth take heed lest he fall." Child of God, have you 
not at times thought over your failings and sins until they 
have seemed to rise before you like mountains? Have 
you not upon such occasions often felt that you were so 
weak that all your efforts to live godly were vain, and 
has not Satan then tempted you to give up in despair? 
It is in these seasons of felt weakness and inability to 
maintain as high standard of Christianity as we desire, 
that the Holy Spirit often leads us to a meditation of 
our subject, and causes us to feel that as Israel of old 
was remembered in tender mercy, notwithstanding her 
frequent disobedience, so God will not cast us away, 
although we have sinned against his holy name. We 
then sweetly realize that while we, in our own weakness, 
often stumble, yet through the unchangeable love of 
God we shall not be utterly cast down ; and with re- 
newed energy and strengthened hope, "forgetting those 
things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those 
things which are before, we press toward the mark for 
the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." 

Numbers of people are constitutional grumblers 
about the weather. It is almost always, in the opinion 
of this class, too wet or too dry, too hot or too cold. 
And when the weather is so perfectly agreeable that no 
possible chance for complaining can be found, the beauty 
of the sunshine of to-day is lost sight of, either by look- 



118 Writings of Arthur Cox. 

ing back at the unpleasant weather of yesterday, or by 
anticipating the clouds of to-morrow. Kind reader, let 
us examine ourselves in regard to this matter, and if we 
are among that number who dishonor the name of 
Jehovah by their chronic weather-grumbling, let us right 
about face, and let us from this time forth remember 
that upon the most gloomy day behind the clouds the 
sun still shines. By thus doing we shall forget the 
clouds of the present in anticipation of the sunshine of 
the future. 




Writings of Arthur Cox. 119 

# 

"For as we have many members in one body, and all 
members have not the same office, so we, being many, are 
one body in Christ, and every one members one of another." 
(Rom. xii:4, 5.) 

If the apostle Paul had searched through all nature 
he could not have found a more appropriate simile than 
the above to show forth the strong and indissoluble ties 
which bind the church to her glorious head, Jesus 
Christ.' And in this, not only does he illustrate the 
oneness of Christ and his church, but also the union of 
all her members. Physiology teaches that in our body 
there is what is known as the sympathetic nervous sys- 
tem, that is, there is such an arrangement of the nerves 
that each part of the body is so closely bound to every 
other part that if one member suffer all through this 
sympathetic system suffer with it. We know this to be 
true by experience. When a finger is bruised, we not 
only suffer in the particular spot which is hurt, but the 
effect of the acute pain is instantly felt in other parts of 
the body. Now, Paul says that as we have many 
members in one body and all members have not the 
same office, so we, being many, are one body in Christ 



120 Writings of Arthur Cox. 

and members one of another. God, in the creation of 
man, as in all his works, clearly manifested infinite wis- 
dom. Each part of the body is especially fitted for its 
particular office, and each member is dependent upon 
the others. The hands cannot be used for walking, 
neither can the feet be used with such adroitness as the 
hands in performing tasks; and even the brain, the seat 
of the mind, the ruler of all the organs of our system, 
is of no use unless nourished and supported by the body. 
It is just so in regard to the church. She also has dif- 
ferent kinds of members and each one is especially 
adapted to his office. There should be no vain glory- 
ing, no lording it over Gcd's heritage, because, as in 
the natural body so it is in the spiritual, each member 
is dependent upon the others. The church could not 
get along very well without the ministry, because God 
has given it to her and ordained her success to come 
through the preaching of his eternal truth, neither could 
the ministry be successful without the laity as it would 
then have none to comfort or to edify. This simile also 
teaches that the ministry should be supported by the 
church, for as it is ordered in nature that the brain be 
nourished and supported by the rest of the body, so in 
the economy of grace it is ordained that the ministry be 
loosed from all secular employment, that they may give 
themselves wholly to the work. In other words they 
that are of the Gospel should live of the Gospel. A 



Writings of Arthur Cox. 121 

member of a church who is able to support the cause 
and yet refuses, occupies the self-same position as the 
minister who is called of God to preach but refuses to 
do so because he is not sufficiently paid. Each is 
decidedly wrong, Of course when a man is called to 
preach the unsearchable riches of Christ he ought to do 
so though he never receive a penny from anyone, but 
at the same time, if a church is financially able she 
should call a pastor and support him by her material 
substance, and when I say able I do not mean that to 
be able you are to have sufficient means to purchase 
everything you wish for yourself and then have some 
surplus left over. 

Oh, no, it does not require all that to constitute 
financial ability. In fact, I doubt not but that God is 
more pleased with the gifts, though they be ever so 
small, which cause a sacrifice to be made than he is with 
those which require no sacrifice. 




122 Writings of Arthur Cox. 



®h* |tmr $ttth* 



Nothing is more apparent, in the plan of salvation 
than the absolute necessity of regeneration before any 
of the spiritual blessings of God can be received. 
Christ enunciated one of the grandest truths ever re- 
vealed to mankind, when he said to Nicodemus, "Ye 
must be born again." No reformation will do to sub- 
stitute for the new birth, although the former is always 
produced by the latter. 

As long as the source of a stream is impure, but 
little hope may be entertained of obtaining therefrom, 
pure water. And so it is with the sinner; as long as 
the heart is unchanged it is a sink of sin, and in conse- 
quence, continually sends forth a stream of impure 
actions. If such an one were carried to the home of 
the blest in this condition, it would not be home to 
him, no more than the church is a home for him here, 
which of course it is not. The poet beautifully ex- 
presses this theme : 

"Can any marvel when 'tis said, 'Thou must 

Be born again,' thou votary of dust? 

Thou, enter heaven! Oh no, it cannot be ! 

Nor, if thou coulds't, would heav'n be heav'n to thee. 

And thou, gay worldling who, perchance dost find, 



Writi?igs of Arthur Cox. 

Thine happiness in pleasures more refined ; 
Yet pleasures which proceed alone from earth, 
Thou, too, must be the subject of this birth! 
And thou, give ear, selfrighteous Pharisee ! 
Jesus, this word addresseth too, to thee. 
Methinks I hear thee own that it is just, 
That thus it should be with thee, slave of lust; 
But thou dost deem the doctrine passing strange, 
That thou must be the subject of this change ! 
What! must thou, like the vilest among men, 
Ere thou cans't enter heav'n, be "born again? 
And must the humbling lesson yet be learn' d? 
That heav'n cannot, by all the works, be earn'd? 
It must, oh Pharisee, no more deceive 
Thy soul ; the 'spiders' web' which thou dost weave, 
Shall ne'er a garment make, nor form a dress, 
To hide from God thy native nakedness." 



123 




124 Writings of Arthur Cox. 



What would we think of an engineer, who, while 
traveling at good speed, sees ahead a signal of danger, 
and refuses to notice the warning, but dashes on to 
death? Doubtless we would all say that such a man 
was virtually a suicide; because, when he had been told 
of the peril which awaited him, he would not stop, but 
madly pursued his course, and thus ended his life. 

Now, this is the exact condition of every unbeliever. 
He, too, is traveling as swiftly as the wings of time can 
carry him; ahead of him, and all around him, are sig- 
nals of danger. If he looks above at the matchless 
splendor of the sun, he is reminded that, when that 
bright luminary shall have sunk out of sight in the 
west, he will be one day nearer the judgment bar of 
God. If he meditates upon the duration of human 
life, as observation has taught him that death is the 
common lot of all, he can but admit that man's life is 
but a vapor which appeareth for a little while, and then 
vanishes away. And if he peruses the sacred pages of 
inspiration, he is told of his danger in language too 
plain to be misunderstood. 

Now, are not all those who persist in rebellion 
against God, in spite of all these warnings, and so 



Writings of Arthur Cox. 125 

bring upon themselves his righteous condemnation, and 
eternal death, just as much guilty of self destruction as 
the man who willfully takes away his own life? The 
laws of our body are such that, when the brain is re- 
moved, life becomes extinct. Now, if we take a pistol, 
and blow out our brains, we have violated the laws of 
nature: and in consequence, pay the penalty by the 
loss of life. In like manner, when God sent his Son 
into the world to die for rebellious man, he, as it 
were, passed the law, that whoever should spend his 
life in disobedience to divine commands, and disbelieve 
the record which was given concerning Christ, should 
pay the penalty by suffering eternal death. Now, if we, 
in the depravity of our hearts, directly disobey this 
law, and thus bring upon ourselves a just condemna- 
tion, have we not, in every sense of the word, de- 
stroyed our own lives? All who die in unbelief bring 
destruction upon a sou! which much exist forever and 
ever. 




126 Writings of Arthur Cox. 

It is one of the most sublime truths found in Holy 
Writ, that God can be just, and the justifier of him 
that believeth in Jesus. Nothing would be more pleas- 
ing to the enemy of souls, than if the plan of salva- 
tion conflicted with the justice of heaven, but blessed 
be God such is not the case. Through the mediatorial 
sacrifice of Christ, all who have on his righteousness 
are pure and without spot in the eyes of God. 

"Justice was fully satisfied, 

Atonement fully made : 
The law was fully magnified 

And wondrous love displayed." 

Every soul who can, with eye of faith, look back 
through the ages that are buried in the past, and re- 
alize that when the Immaculate Son of God hung upon 
the cruel cross it was his sins which helped to nail him 
there, may rest assured that before he can be con- 
demned God must first lose one of his essential attri- 
butes — justice: as (I say this with all reverence) there 
is no law, be it human or divine which can rightfully 
demand a second satisfaction. 

"Payment God will not twice demand 
First at my bleeding surety's hand 
And then again at mine." 



Writings of Arthur Cox, 127 



®ije §itm gttU Chines. 

# 

Upon a cloudy day, if we were not familiar with the 
laws of nature, we would think the sun either had left 
his place in the heavens, or had ceased to shine, since 
we can neither see his face nor feel the warmth of his 
rays. But we know that such is not the case; we know 
that although nothing can be seen above save the dark 
clouds, yet the sun still shines as bright as if no clouds 
were in existence. 

Now this same truth holds good in spiritual matters. 
The child of God, while making his pilgrimage to the 
eternal city, often has his dull, cloudy days. There are 
seasons so dark and gloomy that he is sometimes 
tempted to think that his spiritual sun has ceased to 
shine, since nothing but clouds of despair are in view. 
But such is not the case; as in the natural, so in the 
spiritual the sun still shines, God has not changed, and 
I am confident that if, whenever we are tempted to 
doubt God's steadfastness, we would enter into a self 
examination, we would discover that the reason we are 
in darkness, is largely, because we are trying to make 
our feelings the test of God's faithfulness. This course 
of procedure will not do, from the fact that our feel- 



128 Writings of Arthur Cox. 

ings are not always the same, while Christ's love to the 
church knows no variation. "I am the Lord, I change 
not, therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed." 
My earnest prayer is that God will cause us to fully 
realize the fact that although we are often inconstant in 
our affections, yet in his love there is no variableness 
nor shadow of turning. Christ's love to his people be- 
gan with eternity, and when time shall be no more it 
will continue to exist while the cycles of eternity roll 
their ceaseless round. 



Writings of Arthur Cox. 129 

Love is a cord delicate as a thread of silk, but 
strong as a band of iron. 



There should be an inseparable bond of fraternal 
union existing between every human being. 



Prayer is the golden key, which unlocks the gate of 
difficulty, and causes the Christian path to lie out open 
before us. 

The most important commandments are, "Thou 
shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart and thy 
neighbor as thyself." 

He who never feels the burden of his sins here will 
be surely crushed beneath their awful weight in the 
regions of eternal darkness, where there is no cross to 
loosen the galling fetters of iniquity. 



The Christian should fight under the blood-stained 
banner of King Immanuel, as though the growth of the 
church depends alone upon his actions; realizing, how- 
ever, that all hinges upon the Lord of hosts. 



To assert that sinners are ever saved without re- 
pentance toward God and faith in the Lord Jesus 
c 5 



130 Writings of Arthur Cox. 

Christ, is to deny the authenticity of the Bible; and 
dispute the very words of the Son of God himself. 



The more Christians pray in secret or privately the 
more liberty they will have in public prayer. While 
the oftener they avail themselves of the privilege of 
public prayer, the more inclined they will be to fly to 
God's rich throne of grace in secret, each one is an aid 
to the other." 

Beware of the so-called friend who forgets every 
compliment he hears passed upon you, but runs as fast 
as possible to tell you every little thing he hears that is 
derogatory to your character, for if you will strip him 
of his garb of friendship you will see beneath the uni- 
form of the enemy. 

Too much doctrinal preaching, to the exclusion of 
practical godliness and experience, produces spiritual 
sleep and deadness. God's word should be preached 
in its fulness and beauty. It is very wrong to shun 
portions of Scripture because we cannot reconcile them 
with our extreme views; the proper thing is for our 
opinions to become conformed to God's word. 



The tuning fork of heaven will be free grace, and no 
music will be heard save that which is in perfect har- 
mony with this top stone of Jehovah's throne; the 
symphony will not be marred by any discordant notes 



Writings of Arthur Cox. 131 

caused by tunes upholding the worth of human merit, 
but free grace will be the theme of all, and it will be 
echoed by the vibration of all the harps of heaven. 



Particular redemption is undoubtedly a Bible doc- 
trine, but its beauty consists not in the fact that there 
are some whom Christ did not redeem, but rather that all 
for whom Jesus purchased salvation will be surely sought 
out, and kept in the power of God's Spirit. As Christ 
says, "All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; 
and him that cometh to me 1 will in no wise cast out." 



What comfort it should give all God's children to 
know that the Lord Jesus Christ is ever at the right 
of the throne of God interceding in their behalf. Al- 
though we are often in a cold state and sometimes re- 
member not the blessings of Jehovah, yet our Savior is 
still faithful, he is always the same glorious unchange- 
able Redeemer whose delights were ever with the sons 
of men. 

Unregenerated men often do much harm by their 
(imaginary) defense of the doctrines of predestination 
and election, from the fact that the carnal mind is 
enmity against God and no man in his natural state can 
properly understand any of the deep things of God. 
As an amiable divine once well said: f 'None should 
attend the university of predestination until they have 
been to the grammar school of faith and repentance." 



132 Writings of Arthur Cox. 

A preacher may be gifted with the eloquence of 
Apollos, the fire of Peter, and the theological profundity 
of Paul; but if his expositions of Scripture be not put 
into practice in his own life, if his pulpit ministrations 
receive not the amen of a circumspect walk, all his 
eloquence, fire and orthodoxy will be like beautiful gar- 
ments upon a corpse. They may make a sermon more 
attractive, but they can never invest it with life and power. 



The unchangeableness of God is the hope of every 
person, pressed down by a sense of his own weakness 
and inconstancy. It is the foundation upon which the 
superstructure of salvation is built; the keystone in the 
mighty arch of divine love ; the giant oak to which our 
faith, like the ivy, clings with increasing tenacity. Yea! 
If the declaration, "I AM THE LORD, I CHANGE NOT," 
were false, the whole scheme of salvation would be with- 
out effect. 

Since Jesus has vanquished Satan, and fulfilled all 
the requirements of the law for his people, justice itself 
appears in their behalf. And in consequence of this 
effectual work of Christ, they can exclaim with Paul: 
"Who shall lay anything to the charge of God's elect? 
It is God that justifieth. Who is he that condemneth? 
It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, 
who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh 
intercessions for us." 



Writings of Arthur Cox. 133 

What a consolation it is for the child of God to 
know that he has a treasure laid up in the bank of 
heaven, where it can never be destroyed nor taken 
away. What a comfort for him to realize, that when 
the riches of earth shall be no more, he will be walking 
the streets of gold in the New Jerusalem, that when 
the bright luminary of day shall be wrapped in dark- 
ness, he will be an inhabitant of that realm, whose light 
will be given by the eternal Sun of Righteousness. 



Submission to the divine will is one of the most 
beautiful traits that can ever grace humanity. Oh, how 
Christlike is it to exercise calm patience when tossed 
upon the billows of trial and affliction. How sweet to 
see those who, although standing upon the brink of the 
cold, cold grave, as with dewy cheeks and breaking 
heart they look for the last time upon the face of a dear 
relative, yet utter no rash words of bitterness, but en- 
deavor, although in anguish of soul, to say from the 
heart, "Thy will be done." 



A church is really in a more flourishing condition 
with only a half dozen true members than if her mem- 
bership embraces as many as three or four hundred 
unregenerate men and women. There never was a time 
when so many churches were filled up with simply pro- 
fessors of religion as at the present time. Discipline is 
a thing of the past amongst many congregations, and 



134 Writings of Arthur Cox. 

so we see Christendom flooded with Christless pro- 
fessors. Oh, that the awakening power of God's Spirit 
may come and cause a glorious revival of pure religion. 



When the Christian meditates upon the riches of 
God's free grace, and the depths of redeeming love, 
he is lost in wonder and admiration; and in trying to 
give expression to his appreciation he can but grasp the 
language of inspiration and cry out: "Many, oh, Lord, 
my God, are the wonderful works thou hast done and 
thy thoughts which are to us-ward. They cannot be 
reckoned up in order unto thee. If I would declare 
and speak of them, they are more than can be num- 
bered." 

All parents who have the welfare of their children 
at heart, take pleasure in seeing them conversant with 
the history of the nations. They love to hear them re- 
late the wonderful deeds of a Caesar, a Cromwell, or a 
Washington ; or tell of the mighty eloquence of a De- 
mosthenes, a Patrick Henry, or a Gladstone; and yet 
we see some parents, professed Christians, who make 
no exertion whatever to familiarize their dear little chil- 
dren with the life of the central figure of all history — 
the Lord Jesus Christ, he who spake as never man 
spake, and by his advent upon earth did more for the 
world's welfare than all the philosophers, orators and 
statesmen, that ever lived. 



Writings of Arthur Cox. 135 

Christianity is the only religion entirely free from 
superstition. It demands no blind observation of fool- 
ish rites common to so many false systems. Neither 
does it require the abstinence from anything in which 
there is no danger. In fact it is so simple that many 
stumble at its simplicity and spurn the thought of sal- 
vation though the lowly Nazarene who was born in a 
manger, and spent his life among the poor of the earth 
at last culminating his sacrifice by dying, "the just for 
the unjust that he might bring us to God." 



Since the ascension of Jesus Christ, many have been 
the conjectures in regard to the date of his second 
coming, but as time has marched steadily onward, each 
supposition in turn has been proven fallacious. That 
Christ is coming to the earth again is evident from the 
teaching of his sacred word. When he shall come is 
of no consequence to us, and therefore is not revealed. 
His return, however so far as we are individually con- 
cerned, will be when the angel of death shall call us to 
leave thes.e scenes of earth. The important point then 
for each to ascertain is, whether, when death stares us 
in the face, we will be in a fit state to stand before the 
great court of heaven. 



136 Writings of Arthur Cox. 



©rtginalitij* 

The Salutatory Address Delivered by Arthur Cox, at the Commence- 
ment Exercises of the Lonoke Public High School, Friday 
Evening, May 26, 1893. 

* 

Ladies and Gentlemen — I doubt not that there 
are times in the life of every person when language is 
inadequate to express his feelings, words seeming to 
fall powerless at his feet. It is in this condition I find 
myself to-night. I have been selected to greet you in 
behalf of my fellow students, but when I look before me 
and see good will to the seniors of the Lonoke High 
School of 1893, beaming from the countenance of every 
one present, when I gaze into your eyes and there read 
an earnest desire for our success in life, what can I say 
that will give utterance to our feelings? You have so 
encouraged us by coming out to-night, that the steep 
and oft times rugged hill of education will be more easily 
scaled than if you had not been present. I might con- 
sume all my allotted time in advancing reasons why we 
are delighted to see you, yet we would each feel that 
the Salutatory was incomplete, so I will, and I am con- 
fident that I voice the sentiment of the whole class in so 
doing, bid you a hearty welcome and ask your attention 



Writings of Arthur Cox. 137 

for a short time while I present a few thoughts upon the 
subject, Originality. 

There is no such thing as originality in its strictest 
sense. Solomon, the ancient star of wisdom, was not 
mistaken when he said, "The thing that hath been, it 
is that which shall be, and that which is done, is that 
which shall be done, and there is no new thing under 
the sun." We cannot create, but it is ours to take the 
forces that exist and use them to the best of our ability. 
We now appropriate for our service that mysterious 
element, electricity, chain it to our machines and make 
them speak as with human voice and carry messages as 
upon the wings of the lightning. A good illustration of 
the wonderful power of this fluid was given at the open- 
ing of the World's Fair when our chief Executive, 
Grover Cleveland, stepped to the front of the rostrum 
upon which he was speaking, pressed a little button, 
and in an instant, as if by magic, the glorious stars and 
stripes fluttered in the breeze from a thousand places, 
the ponderous machinery was set in motion, and life, as 
it were, was given to the Exposition. But, ladies and 
gentlemen, this same force was just as abundant in the 
age of the Ptolemies. 

A man may possess a remarkable genius, but if it 
receives no promptings to call it into activity, it will 
doubtless lie dormant and be lost to the world forever. 
The native powers of Geoffrey Chaucer, the morning 



138 Writings of Arthur Cox. 

star of English literature, were greatly aroused by 
Boccaccio; the spirit of John Milton, the king of the 
realm of poesy, was fired by Caedman ; and even the 
immortal Shakespeare himself acknowledged Spen- 
ser as his master. Time would fail me to tell of the 
little things, apparently accidental, which caused the 
slumbering energies in great men to awaken, shake 
themselves, as it were, and give to the world inventions 
so wonderful, that things which have heretofore seemed 
impossible are now accomplished with ease. The tele- 
scope was invented through some children placing two 
or more pairs of spectacles together to look at a distant 
object; gunpowder was discovered from the falling of a 
spark on some material mixed in a mortar, and it is 
related that printing, one of the most useful of all 
inventions, owes its origin to rude impressions made for 
the amusement of children from letters carved on the 
bark of a beech tree. 

In this address, however, we wish to notice origi- 
nality in its commonly accepted meaning, that is, in the 
sense of independence, both in thought and action, to a 
somewhat limited extent. The first prerequisite of 
originality along any line is activity of mind. As long 
as we permit our intellectual powers to lie dormant we 
will have to depend upon others to do our thinking. 
Just as the muscles become stronger by exercise so the 
mind is developed by mental labor, therefore, if we wish 



Writings of Arthur Cox. 139 

to add anything to the world we must think, yes, think 
hard. For what is mankind endowed with intelligence 
and grand reasoning powers if not to use them? Five 
minutes of original thought is worth more than an hour 
spent in slavishly following some one else. It has been 
truthfully said, "The world is full of echoes, but there 
are only a few voices." Oh, how many are content to 
settle down, and, without the slightest investigation, 
receive for truth what others have said. Such persons 
may be dogmatic and bigoted in their opinions, but 
they can never be firmly established, in a logical man- 
ner, upon anything, because they have no foundation 
upon which to build. Do not understand me, my 
hearers, to mean that we are to reject all the teachings 
of those who have gone before. No indeed ! That 
would not do ! But I do maintain, that no theory how- 
ever universally adopted, no doctrine however plausible 
should be received by us without, if you will allow the 
expression, original investigation. To illustrate; sup- 
pose that we are to make a journey through a forest, it 
would be very foolish for us to take the first path to 
which we should come without inquiring whether or not 
it leads in the right direction, simply because others 
had traversed it before. It would also be just as absurd 
to make a road through the woods without first ascer- 
taining if those already cleared did not lead to our des- 
tination. Here is the point where independence in a 



140 Writings of Arthur Cox. 

somewhat limited sense must be used. If there is a 
road by which we can travel and reach our journey's 
end, we should take it without hesitation. But if there 
is not, rather than go the wrong way, we should make 
one; even though giant oaks have to be felled, deep 
rivers crossed, and lofty mountains scaled ; remembering 
that a tortoise going in the right direction will beat a 
race horse in the wrong. 

When Francis Bacon studied philosophy at college, 
his great originality of thought forced him to the con- 
clusion that the deductive method of teaching was a 
failure. And although it could boast of having the 
world-renowned Aristotle for its originator, and point 
with pride to hundreds of distinguished philosophers as 
its supporters, yet he had the courage to declare that it 
was not the true method, arguing that the inductive 
course of reasoning was the most effective way to teach. 
True his ideas were at first laughed to scorn, but his 
system was afterwards received, and to-day Sir Francis 
Bacon has the honor of being called the father of in- 
ductive philosophy. 

The positive necessity of exercising originality of 
thought in every undertaking has been clearly shown in 
all ages. In the year 538 B. C, Cyrus, who had deter- 
mined to bring all Asia under his control, marched 
against Babylon, the metropolis of Assyria, for the pur- 
pose of deposing its monarch, Labynetus, the Belshazzar 



Writings of Arthur Cox. 141 

of the Bible, thus increasing his possessions. Upon 
arriving at Babylon he found it well protected by strong 
walls, towering heavenward, and mighty gates, defying 
all the powers of man to break them open. The Baby- 
lonians had on hand a good stock of provisions, and to 
obviate all danger arising from a scarcity of water the 
city was so arranged that a river flowed through it, thus 
furnishing an endless supply. Now when Cyrus sees 
these difficulties, what does he do? Does he give up 
in despair and retrace his steps with foiled ambitions 
and blighted hopes? Not by any means ; this course 
of procedure might do for a mental pigmy, but it would 
not become a man of power. He calmly thinks over 
the situation, and, as with almost everyone, while he 
thinks, the spark of his originality begins to brighten, 
and at last bursts into a flame, moving him to conceive 
the idea of turning the course of the river, which he 
did, and marched his soldiers under the wall, upon its 
bed, in triumph. Thus, through originality, one of the 
most powerful cities of ancient times was captured. 

When Julius Caesar began to thirst for military fame, 
if, because the noted general, Miltiades, had won so 
glorious a victory upon the plain of Marathon, he had 
decided to pursue exactly the same course of general- 
ship without any originality of thought, do you not 
know that in all probability the Roman standard would 
have trailed in the dust, and the famous city of the 



142 Writings of Arthur Cox. 

Seven Hills would never have been called the mistress 
of the world? 

Again, if the Duke of Wellington had blindly fol- 
lowed in the footsteps of other generals as Hannibal or 
the Madman of the North, Charles XII. of Sweden, 
doubtless Napoleon, his march of bloodshed being un- 
checked, would have centralized the forces of Europe, 
and the pages of history would have known no Waterloo. 

In like manner, if the illustrious George Washington, 
having been appointed commander-in-chief of the colo- 
nial forces, had contented himself with using the thought 
of others instead of his own, there is no doubt that his 
brave army would have been defeated, and the scepter 
of monarchial power might to-day have been extended 
over this fair Western land. 

There is more, my kind hearers, in this one magic 
word than a person would at first think. Not only was 
it through originality that America was discovered by 
Columbus, and the colonies brought from under the 
yoke of taxation without representation, but it is also to 
this same principle that we are indebted for the estab- 
lishment of our present system of polity. What, but 
originality of thought, caused the framers of this con- 
stitution, turning aside from every known form, to 
organize a government which should be for a model to 
the world. Doubtless some are ready to declare that 
the fathers of our country did not originate this form of 



Writings of Arthur Cox. 143 

administration, for, say they, were not Greece and 
Rome republics long before America was even discov- 
ered? I grant you that there had been several, yes, I 
may say a good many republics founded centuries before 
the one under whose sheltering wing of freedom we now 
live, but they were all, at least to some degree, aristo- 
cratic. We may take the most authentic history of the 
world ever written, search therein diligently, and upon 
no page will we find an account of a government which 
gives equal rights to all, and permits the man of lowly 
birth, as well as the one of distinguished ancestry, to 
rise to the supreme seat of power, until we read of the 
patriots signing the Declaration of Independence on the 
4th of July, 1776, thus establishing this land of the free, 
this home of the brave, the United States of America. 
How plainly does the history of China tell us that 
without originality there can be no real advancement. 
I doubt not that, if it were possible for Confucius to 
come back to the earth to-morrow, he would think, from 
the appearances of things in his own country, that only 
a few days, instead of more than twenty centuries, had 
elapsed since his death, so utterly devoid of progress is 
the Chinee. He does not desire to grow beyond the 
mental power of his ancestors. The grand discoveries 
of modern scientists are unknown to him, neither does 
he wish to become familiar with them. He has no 
originality of thought himself, nor does he want to reap 



144 Writings of Arthur Cox. 

the benefits which come from the genius of others. 
Now the effect of this lack of originality is quite clear, 
for while America, England, Germany, France, and 
many other nations are steadily marching forward in 
the path of progress, China stands, even now, almost 
exactly where she stood when the last year of the old 
dispensation stepped aside and gave place to the first of 
the new. In fact, to-day, her subjects are the only 
people who, on account of their nationality, have to 
bear the stigma of being turned from our ports in shame 
and confusion. 

Not only does history abound in illustrations that 
originality must be the watchword of all who would 
meet with success, but nature herself asserts with a 
thousand voices the power of this principle. Go with 
me, in your imagination, to the forest, and there learn 
a grand lesson in regard to independence ! Look at the 
mighty oak, and note that although the storms of many 
years have threatened to uproot it, yet it firmly stands, 
upheld by nothing save its own strength. Contrast with 
this the weakly ivy ; see it as its tendrils cling to the tree 
upon which it has climbed, and notice how dependent 
it is for support; take away its prop and it will trail in 
the dust, typical of the shame all should feel who have 
risen high in the world through the strength of others. 

Why is it, ladies and gentlemen, that, although 
there is such a striking similarity between a voice and 



Writings of Arthur Cox. 145 

an echo, yet the latter is so much lacking in power, 
with every reverberation growing weaker? It is because 
the voice is original, while the echo is but a reproduc- 
tion, if you will allow the expression, an imitation. 

Even the heavenly bodies come with incontrovertible 
testimony that in originality there is power. The sun 
rises. It diffuses its rays of warmth and light over 
the earth and all nature greets it with a smile. It 
passes the meridian, settles in the west, finally disap- 
pears from view, and, although the moon may be in its 
full, yet partial darkness spreads its shadowy mantle 
o'er the earth. Now the light and heat of the sun and 
moon are the same in essence. True, the former is 
larger than the latter, but it is at so much greater dis- 
tance from the earth that it has not the advantage in 
this respect that one would imagine. Then the ques- 
tion presents itself, "What causes the great difference 
in their power?" The answer is found in our subject. 
The light and heat of the sun are his own, they are 
original, while the light of the moon is reflected or bor- 
rowed. From this we learn that he who would, in the 
firmament of fame, shine forth as a sun must be original, 
or, if you prefer the word, independent. The bright 
luminary of day in the western horizon will shed abroad 
more light and heat than the queen of the night in her 
zenith. One spark of originality is worth more than a 
flood of reflected light. It is better to stand upon our 



146 Writings of Arthur Cox. 

own foundation, relying upon our own powers, even 
though we encounter hardships and have to tread the 
thorny path of poverty, than to occupy some prominent 
position, dependent upon the efforts of others. I had 
rather be a laborer, toiling throughout life for a mere pit- 
tance, with horny hands and bended back, living upon my 
own exertion, relying upon my own right arm, thinking 
and acting for myself, than Charles I, King of England, 
led on by a clique of wicked men who thought and man- 
aged for him and caused him to assent to such measures of 
tyranny that his days were ended in shame at the block. 

Now, ladies and gentlemen, we have clearly seen 
that both history and nature concur in their promptings 
to originality of thought and independence of action. 
These promptings are to all. It matters not what our 
vocation, a voice comes to us. A voice did I say? 
Yea! Ten thousand voices come to us, and in such 
manner as not to be misunderstood, saying, "Z?£ original 
and depend upon your ovun efforts.' ' 

The lawyer must have originality when he enters the 
court room, for however well he may study his case, 
however carefully he may prepare the brief, his oppo- 
nent will doubtless endeavor to make points of which he 
never dreamed and he must be able, upon the moment, 
to originate refuting argument. 

The physician should exercise originality of thought 
to a large degree, if he would win fame in his profession. 



Writings of Arthur Cox. 147 

For while it is true that every disease has its distin- 
guishing features, yet the constitutions of different per- 
sons are so dissimilar that the manner of treating the 
same ailment must often be varied. In fact the most 
successful practitioner of medicine is he who, when it 
becomes necessary, turns aside from every line hereto- 
fore prescribed, and of himself devises a course of treat- 
ment suited to the peculiarities of the particular case he 
may have in hand. 

The school teacher to be a success in developing the 
mentality of childhood and youth must also know some- 
thing experimentally of our subject. He may have his 
mind stored with treasures of knowledge. He may 
have studied the art of teaching until pedagogy has 
become his daily meditation, yet if he lack originality 
of thought he can but be a failure. Pupils prompted 
by curiosity will often propound questions never before 
thought of by mathematician, geographer or historian, 
Now their inquiring minds should be satisfied, but how 
is this to be accomplished if their instructor cannot think 
out or originate an answer or explanation? Numbers of 
professions could be cited in which our subject is abso- 
lutely indispensable. But suffice it to say that in every 
calling, though it be ever so humble, success is largely 
due to originality of thought and independence of action. 
Fellow pupils, we, the seniors of 1893, have for the 
last time sat with you to study under the roof of the 



148 Writings of Arthur Cox. 

Lonoke High School. No more will we be warned by 
the peal of that, oft heard bell that the hour of recitation 
has come, and we cannot have our school relations sev- 
ered without offering you a word of advice. Permit us 
then to impress upon your minds the importance of 
originality or independence in school work. It is an 
indisputable fact that a pupil can reach the goal of his 
ambition only by deep, earnest thought. He may 
come to the class with lessons well prepared by the labor 
of some one else and possibly deceive teacher and stu- 
dents, but, if he does this, it is at his own peril and in 
truth he is deluding himself more than anyone. For 
after leaving school, instead of being prepared for the 
critical voyage over life's tempestuous ocean, he will be 
fit only to cruise around the beach of childhood in a 
craft suited alone to tranquil seas. He who spends his 
school days in idleness, depending upon the efforts of 
others for the preparation of his lessons, must not be 
surprised if he leave college a mental dwarf. 

Classmates, I cannot conclude without a few words 
to you. It is needless for me to say that in you I feel 
a special interest, for that is quite natural. Together 
we have walked through darksome vale and sunlit slope 
hand in hand, as it were, ascending the mount of knowl- 
edge. Ofttimes, perchance, some frowning cliff or crag- 
gy height has confronted us, but, after a time, un- 
ceasing perseverance has led us beyond it and the crest 



Writings of Arthur Cox. 149 

of the hill stood clear above. To-night we pass the first 
mile-stone on our road, and halt to rest for awhile in 
the grotto prepared for the pleasure of the travelers to 
yon airy heights. We have each shared the same kind- 
ness of our noble teacher, Prof. J. J. Doyne. Then 
with these ties binding us together how can we but ex- 
perience that feeling towards each other of which none 
but fellow students know. Let us even now, with a 
grand unity of purpose determine, throughout life, to 
depend upon our own strength; and while we may 
never wield the mighty power of eloquence as did 
Demosthenes, Pitt and Grady, or be distinguished 
statesmen as are Bismarck, Gladstone and Cleveland; 
although it may never be our lot, like Shakespeare and 
Milton, to entrance the people by the production of 
masterpieces in literature ; or with the remarkable genius 
of an Edison startle the world by almost miraculous 
inventions, yet we should remember that there is a 
special work for each. True it may often seem that 
what we do amounts to so little in this world of activity 
that it is of no consequence whether it be done or not, 
but this is a mistake. Everyone, I care not who he be, 
has a position to occupy in life and no substitute can 
acceptably fill his place. Therefore we see the import- 
ance of each one's retaining his own individuality. 

In the most ponderous machinery the little screws 
and bolts are just as essential to its completeness as the 



150 Writings of Arthur Cox. 

strong cylinders and mighty fly-wheels, yet we stand 
and gaze with admiration at the latter while the former 
are passed unnoticed. Just so in life some men are 
destined to be honored and their fame heralded through- 
out the earth, while others live and die comparatively 
unknown, but we should not forget that frequently those 
who are the least famous are the greatest benefactors of 
mankind. 

When Columbus, prompted by his great originality 
of thought, set sail upon his never to be forgotten voy- 
age of discovery, he was in quest of a new route to 
India, but instead of finding this he discovered a land 
greater than India and a new hemisphere was brought 
into the world's life. In like manner we, if fired by 
originality of thought, and led on by independence of 
action, will often attain more than that for which we are 
striving, Let us then go boldly forward even though 
we fear that at best we can accomplish but little. Let 
us take for our motto the subject of this address, and 
we may strike from our vocabulary the word failure, so 
little will we be required to use it. But if in the warfare 
of life we should fall, let it be among the front ranks, in 
the heat of the battle, valiantly fighting under the hon- 
ored banner of independence and with the inspiring 
watchword, originality \ upon our lips. 

I thank you all for the patient hearing you have 
given me. 



Writings of Arthur Cox. 151 



$eucmfc the &lpz gtes Utah}. 

Oration Delivered by Arthur Cox at the Close of School, 1892, at the 
Lonoke Opera House. 



Ladies and Gentlemen — Doubtless many of you 
are familiar with the history of the short sentence 
which is the subject of this address, "Beyond the 
Alps lies Italy." They were the words of Napoleon 
Bonaparte, who, it has been said, is without a parallel, 
as a general, in the annals of the world; and whose 
name will ever be memorable for untiring perseverance 
and profound military strategy. 

In 1796, although merely a youth, he had, by his 
unflinching bravery, won his way to the front, and was 
chosen commander-in-chief of the army which was to 
invade Italy. After his appointment, he went imme- 
diately to Nice, where his forces consisting of about 
thirty-eight thousand poorly fed men, awaited him. 
He began at once preparing for the invasion, knowing 
at the same time, that the enemy had much the greater 
army with all the necessary equipments of war. 

Let us for a little while imagine ourselves in the city 
of Nice, on the 29th of March, 1796. 

Before us is a sea of faces ! 

It is Napoleon's army! 



152 Writings of Arthur Cox. 

Already the scarcity of food is beginning to mani- 
fest itself in their somewhat emaciated forms. Ber- 
thier, a general of no small experience, has declared 
that Napoleon's plan is a good one, but to carry it into 
execution would require fifty-thousand more men. 
The very air seems fraught with omens of disaster to 
the young general. We look at the army again, and 
think that in the face of so many difficulties perhaps 
the campaign will yet be abandoned ; when we are 
aroused from our reflections by the clear, ringing tones 
of someone speaking. It is Napoleon addressing his 
army ! 

"Soldiers, you are naked, ill fed; much is due to 
you, there is nothing to pay you with. The patience 
and courage you have shown in the midst of these 
rocks are admirable, but they win you no glory. I 
come to lead you into the most fertile plains in the 
world; rich provinces, great cities, will be in your 
power. There you will have wealth, honor, and glory. 
Soldiers of Italy, can your courage fail?" 

With these words, he put the army in motion. We 
are told they now moved forward without hindrance 
until their path was obstructed by the mighty Alps. 

To one not familiar with the character of the youth- 
ful general, it would seem that retreat was now inevita- 
ble. I can, in my mind, even at this moment, see the 
army as it approaches the towering cliffs which appear 



Writings of Arthur Cox. 153 

tauntingly to say: "Italy is beyond your reach, you 
will yet have to retrace your steps." It is at this criti- 
cal period that Napoleon again addresses his men, and 
fills their breasts with brighter hopes and new ambi- 
tions, by assuring them that, "Beyond the Alps lies 
Italy." This suggestive sentence has, since that day, 
been highly prized for its great depth of meaning. It 
said to the soldiers that though they had an arduous 
task before them which seemed almost impossible to ac- 
complish, yet, if they would press boldly forward with 
a determination to surmount every difficulty, they would 
be sure of success. By following their steps for a 
short time we see that Napoleon was right; they did, 
with heroic bravery, carry out the campaign, and meet 
with almost unprecedented success on every hand. 

If time would permit, we would notice Napoleon all 
through his eventful career, and see how, by ever 
keeping in mind the spirit of these memorable words, 
he climbed to the top round of the ladder of military 
fame, where he stood unrivaled by all other generals of 
his age. 

It is not for me in an address of this kind to discuss 
the utility of war, nor to say whether Napoleon was 
justified in causing so much bloodshed; but this I can 
say, many lessons may be learned from his life. 

No matter what we study, whether it be the history 
of a man or a nation, we find taught everywhere the 



154 Writings of Arthur Cox. 

idea conveyed by the words of Napoleon, "Beyond the 
Alps lies Italy." 

Peter The Great, of Russia, after being defeated by 
Charles XII., King of Sweden, coolly said: "The 
Swedes, I knew, would beat us for a time, but they 
will soon teach us how to beat them," and, sure 
enough, his words were speedily verified. The same 
spirit was manifested in the life of Caesar, Hannibal, 
Wellington, Washington, and I would not close the list 
without mentioning the name of him, whose memory 
occupies a tender spot in the heart of every lover of 
true manhood. I speak of the hero of the South — 
Stonewall Jackson. 

The well known historian, Barnes, has truthfully 
said in regard to the study of history, that: "Every 
fact narrated must correspond to something in me to 
be intelligible, we must fasten each image to some 
reality in our secret experience, or we shall learn noth- 
ing rightly. Each new fact, each political moment has 
a meaning for us." 

Let us then, kind friends, follow this thought and 
see what is contained for us in the sentence which forms 
the basis of my remarks to-night. If I mistake not, we 
shall find it to be truly multum in parvo. It is an his- 
torical fact that success can be attained only by overcom- 
ing many difficulties. We, ladies and gentlemen, are 
too prone to look at a person sitting upon the throne of 



Writings of Arthur Cox. 155 

honor, and forget that it cost much toil and persever- 
ance to reach that position. In other words, we envy 
Napoleon as he meets with such intoxicating success 
upon the sunny plains of Italy, but forget that before 
he could feast his eyes upon the charming scenery of 
that salubrious clime, he had to perform one of the 
most stupendous undertakings ever accomplished by 
human effort. The crossing of the Alps. Perhaps 
some of you here to-night are making noble efforts to 
educate the objects of your affection, and often meet 
mountains of difficulties which must be overcome. 

There may be parents in this audience who are, 
even now, as it were, climbing the snow-capped Alps 
for the benefit of their children. To each of you, I 
would say, just as sure as you press onward in your 
course of love, you too, will prove that, "Beyond the 
Alps lies Italy." Beyond the clouds the sun still 
shines — beyond earnest endeavor lies success. 

Again, we often see those who are just commencing 
the battle of life meet with many discouragements. A 
young man sets his mind upon some profession, and it 
becomes the dream of his youth — the one desire of his 
heart. But let him be assured that the formidable 
looking Alps are situated between him and Italy ; let 
him be assured that difficulties will have to be over- 
come before success is attained. Nevertheless, my 
young friend, by keeping in mind the words of our 



156 Writings of Arthur Cox. 

subject, and emulating the constancy of their author, 
you will surely reach the goal of your ambition. 

We could proceed for hours, picking out different 
classes, and showing that the expression, "Beyond the 
Alps lies Italy" has a meaning for each, but suffice it to 
say there can be found no exception to the principle 
contained in these words. Oh! that I could command 
the eloquence of a Cicero, the electrical tones of a 
Napoleon, and the earnestness of a Patrick Henry in 
urging each person present to see the positive necessity 
of energy and perseverance in every vocation. 

The much quoted maxim, "Where there is a will 
there is a way," comes to us now fraught with just as 
much truth as when first uttered. It has been an in- 
spiration to hundreds who have achieved success in 
every avenue of life; and it will be the watch-word of 
many yet unborn heroes who will take up and carry 
into execution all the mighty schemes of modern civili- 
zation which we have just begun. 

Fellow schoolmates of Lonoke High School, we, 
too, must not forget that "there is no true excellence 
without great labor." This scholastic year is now 
about to close. The campaign is at an end. 

In taking a retrospective view many mountains of 
study are seen which we have scaled, through the en- 
couragement and kind assistance of our faithful and 
much respected teachers. 



Writings of Arthur Cox. 157 

The past is gone. Time, with steady, yet never- 
ending step moves grandly forward, and if we would 
keep up with her stately tread we must look well to the 
future. Already there are minds contemplating the 
studies we are to master during the coming year. Let 
us enter that work with new energy, new hopes, new 
ambitions. Let us unite head, heart, and hand; and 
with a strong and determined will behind these forces, 
we can but succeed, though difficulties stand out moun- 
tain high to oppose us. Remember that he who 
would win, must work; he who would prevail, must 
persevere; he who would reap, must sow. 

"The fairest pearls are found in deepest waters, 
The brightest jewels in the darkest mine ; 

And through the very blackest hours of midnight 
The star of Hope doth ever brightly shine. 

Press on! press on! the path is steep and rugged, 
The storm clouds almost hide Hope' s light from view ; 

But you can pass where other feet have trodden ; 
A few more steps may bring you safely through." 




158 Writings of Arthur Cox. 



%, gttarm at §*£**♦ 

(School Composition.) 

If any person desires to realize fully the comparative 
littleness of man, I would advise him to witness a storm 
in mid-ocean, because such a sight proves beyond a 
doubt that humanity at its best, when compared with 
Deity, is puny indeed. 

Volney, the noted infidel historian, could descant 
quite boldly upon the principles of atheism while he 
stood on dry land with a host of sympathetic friends 
around him; but on one occasion, when he was sailing 
on Lake Erie amid a violent storm, with the ship's 
masts gone, the rudder displaced, and the vessel every 
moment expected to go down, he was made to see the 
frailty of man; and feeling that there must be some 
great power, ruling even above the winds and waves, 
he knelt down and called upon the name of God. I 
cite this little incident to show how a storm upon the 
water can bring a man to a realization of his utter help- 
lessness. 

Eleven years ago, in December, 1881, the Ohio, 
the vessel in which we came to America, set sail from 
Liverpool, leaving behind the scenes of our childhood 



Writings of Arthur Cox. 159 

and the watery eyes of our relatives and friends. The 
sea was calm and the gentle waves seemed to dance in 
tune to the movement of the monstrous screw as it pro- 
pelled the vessel forward with mighty power. For the 
first few hours every passenger was charmed with the 
ineffable beauties of the scenery and exhilarated by the 
freshness of the sea breeze, fraught with that purity 
which is found only in air coming from the ocean, as it 
kissed our ship. But after awhile most of the passen- 
gers retired to their cabins to endure in silence the in- 
describable miseries of sea sickness. 

One morning all were aroused by the cry, a whale! 
a whale ! and with eagerness each one peered forth 
upon the briny deep, anxious to catch a glimpse of the 
watery monster, but it was too far distant. Away off, 
a few miles from our ship, could be seen two large foun- 
tains, which were being spouted up by a pair of whales. 
When it was found that this was all we would be able 
to see of them, the excitement subsided. 

For about half the passage we enjoyed smooth sail- 
ing, there being no sign of stormy weather. On the 
morning of the middle day of the voyage the sun burst 
forth in the eastern horizon with his matchless splendor, 
as usual, undimmed by either cloud or fog. The day 
passed on with no new occurrence until about 10 o'clock 
a. m., when it was noticed that the crew came on deck, 
clothed in rubber suits, and took down the sails; and, 



160 Writings of Arthur Cox. 

although there were no angry clouds in view, yet the 
passengers looked meaningly at one another, saying by 
their glances, "there is danger ahead." And sure 
enough their fears were not ungrounded, for in a little 
while the sun's face was hid by the clouds which were 
gathering and beginning to assume angry appearances; 
the wind also arose, and by about 11 o'clock the pas- 
sengers were all 'below, the hatchways closed and the 
storm had burst upon us in fury. Any one who has 
not witnessed such a sight for himself, although he may 
have read descriptions and seen pictures of like scenes, 
can fully grasp the meaning of the words, "A Storm at 
Sea." 

There are things which can be fairly well reproduced 
by art, but the scene of which I am writing cannot be 
described in language or pictured upon the canvas. It 
defies alike the tongue of the orator, the gifted pen of 
the writer, and the skillful brush of the artist. 

Our vessel seemed to be no more than a cork. The 
mighty waves first lifted her upon their crests and then 
mercilessly dashed her into the valley below. The 
wind, in its unchecked violence, caused the massive 
timbers of the ship to groan as if with agony under the 
excessive strain and threatened to rend her asunder. 

By noon the storm was at its height. Thunder and 
lightning came to the assistance of wind and wave, and 
each appeared to vie with the other in seeing which 



Writings of Arthur Cox. 161 

could threaten our vessel with the greatest danger. All 
hope seemed to be gone. Xo matter in which direction 
we looked, black despair stared us in the face. Above 
us the clouds looked down with angry frowns and seemed 
to speak in their terrible voice of thunder; on either 
side, waves which towered heavenward like mountains 
threatened us with sudden destruction, and beneath the 
unfathomable depths of the roaring ocean seemed to be 
waiting anxiously to receive our bodies. But each was 
to be disappointed, for the same tender care which had 
preserved us from all the unseen dangers through which 
we had passed, was about us then, and ruled over the 
apparently ungovernable rage of this ocean storm. By 
about 3 o'clock the tempest had subsided and all hearts 
were grateful for the preservation of our lives. 

The rest of the voyage was passed, as was the first 
part, without any storm whatever, and thirteen days 
after our setting sail from Liverpool we landed in Phila- 
delphia on Christmas eve. 1SS1. 

I will conclude by repeating, "If any one wishes to 
realize fully the comparative littleness of man, let him 
witness 'A Storm at Sea.' 



C 6 



162 Writings of Arthur Cox. 



(School Composition.) 

It is as natural for man to glory in bravery as it is 
for him to breathe ; and while there are many who 
know not, so far as experience is concerned, what true 
courage is, yet each one prides himself that he may 
be classed among the " fortissimmi fortum." 

There is an attractiveness about the bravery of the 
warrior that causes us to peruse with keen delight the 
pages of history upon which are recounted the wonder- 
ful exploits of Alexander as he journeyed in quest of 
universal empire, or the heroism of Caesar as he faced 
the fiery Gauls. He too, buoyed up by the hope that 
some day he would sway the scepter of power through- 
out the world. But when we see a man of our own 
nationality distinguishing himself by military achieve- 
ments, it fills us ( with enthusiasm. 

Find me, if you can, a Frenchman, who can read, 
untouched, the history of the famous Napoleon; or an 
Englishman, who can, unmoved, meditate upon the 
greatness of Wellington and the wonderful victory of 
Waterloo. In like manner, the sturdy sons of freedom, 



Writings of Arthur Cox. 163 

point with no small degree of national pride, to George 
Washington, who so nobly led the colonial forces to 
victory and liberty. 

My allotted space, could be readily used in dwelling 
upon Bravery as seen in the lives of great military 
chieftains whose names have been immortalized by their 
undaunted courage; but I design in this composition to 
emphasize the necessity of Moral Bravery , because in 
my opinion, it is by far the most important. 

Thomas Spurgeon, son of the late C. H. Spurgeon, 
of sacred memory, was not mistaken when he voiced 
the sentiment of the quotation: "It is a harder matter 
to retain one's own spirit than it is to take a city." 

Moral courage is of more importance than warlike 
bravery, because it is a virtue to which all can aspire 
and attain even though they never see a battlefield. 

How hard it sometimes is for a young man to exer- 
cise moral courage ! When his home surroundings are 
of a high moral character, and his associates untainted 
by the many vices of modern times, it is easy enough 
for him to condemn immorality; but, ah me! how the 
scene changes when he is thrown among the profane 
and profligate who glory in vice. To stand firm at 
such a time, and condemn in unequivocal terms every 
form of immorality, requires courage in strength akin 
to that displayed by the noted general, Miltiades, on 
the plain of Marathon. 



164 Writings of Arthur Cox. 

Our Moral Courage is continually being tested. 
Scarcely a day passes but we see people committing 
wrong acts, and, by our silence, we, to a large extent 
authorize them. For us to seek the company of the 
profane and pass their swearing unrebuked, is cowardly 
n the extreme and leaves us partly to blame for their 
profanity. 

"To pass any wrong act apparently unnoticed is to 
participate in the crime," is a principle verified in 
the law of our land. To illustrate; if a murder has 
been committed, it is every person's duty as an honor- 
able citizen, to do all within his power to bring the 
criminal to justice; and he who does not do this, but, 
to the contrary, tries to conceal the offense, is looked 
upon as being accessory. Now if this be true with re- 
gard to the law of our country, how much more so is 
it in the moral law which is perfect in its make-up. 

Dr. Harris, minister of Harwell, England, left us a 
good example of true moral courage in his plain deal- 
ings with the soldiers that were often quartered at his 
house during the civil war. On one occasion, a party 
of them being unmindful of the reverence due to the 
holy name of God, indulged themselves in swearing. 
The doctor, noticing, preached on the next Sabbath 
from these words: "Above all things my brethren, 
swear not." This so enraged the soldiers that they 
declared that, if he preached on that subject again, 



Writings of Arthur Cox. 165 

they would kill him. But this had no effect whatever 
upon the courageous man, and, not in the least intimi- 
dated, he preached again from the same text, denounc- 
ing the folly of profanity with more vehemence than 
ever; and, although, while he was in the pulpit, one of 
the soldiers leveled his carbine at him, still he went 
through the sermon without fear or hesitation, and the 
soldier, subdued by his intrepid bravery, harmed him 
not. This is what may truly be called "Moral Cour- 
age." 

Let each one of us endeavor to so imitate his ex- 
ample that we shall always be ready to do all in our 
power, both by word and deed, to keep down vice in 
all its deceptive forms. 




Regarding Arthur Cox's Sickness and Glorious Death. 

# 

Five days after Arthur was taken sick he said to his 
mother, "Do not weep mother, for I know that if the 
earthly house of this tabernacle is dissolved, I have a 
building of God, a house not made with hands, eternal 
in the heavens." She beheld his suffering and wept as 
mothers will, and as only mothers can, whereupon he 
said, "This is only pain mother, and what is pain? It 
is nothing." Eight days before his death, upon going 
into the room, she found him praying God's blessing 
upon the family. Looking up he said, "Mother I have 
just been enjoying a few moments of sweet prayer." 
Then he sang these words : 

"'Tis the right way, Lord lead me on, 
From this vain world up to thy throne ; 
And then, when faith is changed to sight, 
We'll know the ways of God are right." 

These, with many other things, fastened themselves 
with such force upon his mother's mind, that she felt 
sure he was not long for this life. Notwithstanding the 



Remarks and Death of Arthur Cox. 167 

fact that sometimes he showed signs of improvement, 
and all others seemed hopeful, still this dark cloud re- 
mained with her. 

At length the sad day dawned. On Monday even- 
ing, August 2 ist, after having been delirious almost 
all day, he grew, all at once, perfectly calm, and 
informed those around him that he was going home. 
One by one, relative and friend received a parting word 
from him as before stated in the "Tribute of Respect." 
During the evening he called for his mother several 
times. The first time he said, "Good-by, mother, I'm 
going home ; I've seen God's brightness ; I can't stay 
here. Good-by, world, and everybody in it. I 
haven't an enemy in the world. Mother, I've had a 
vision; I've seen father around the throne of God in 
heaven. I can die happy to this end, to know that 
father is a converted man." The second time he said, 
"Mother, you have always been my hope, my joy, my 
consolation, my comfort, I can but say, 'my mother.' ' 
After calling her the third time he asked : "Mother are 
you satisfied with my death-bed? Are you satisfied 
with my death-bed?" Through her blinding tears she 
assured him that she was. He affectionately bade his 
father good-by several times, and it seemed as though 
he could scarcely give him up. 

To his school teacher, Prof. J. J. Doyne, he re- 
marked : ' ' Professor, I always said that I never expected 



168 Remarks and Death of Arthur Cox. 

to have another teacher as good as you have been. I 
may have done wrong sometimes, but I meant no harm. ' ' 

He thanked the doctor and the nurses for their 
attention, and invoked God's blessings upon them. 

At one time, near the end, he said with a strong, 
full voice, "Stand aside. Take away the lamps ; take 
away the lamps! I do not need them. I am going to 
bask in the refulgent rays of the Sun of Righteousness. 
Oh, the Sun of Righteousness. Oh, thatl could mount 
upon the peaks of angels ! I am kissing the lips of 
Jesus. The Savior's arms are underneath me. I do 
not want any more of this world ; I have had enough 
of it. I know I am one of the elect, and am going to 
bask in the Sun of Righteousness. Then he burst forth 
again, Oh, the Sun of Righteousness; Oh, the Sun of 
Righteousness ! " 

He lamented the fact that he had not preached 
more frequently, saying: I always thought that, if I 
had a call by grace, 1 also had a call to preach the un- 
searchableness of Christ, but I held back and did not 
exalt the call as I should have done. Mr. W. P. 
Fletcher assured him that he had no cause to censure 
himself, and he answered : "Oh, yes, oh, yes, I know its 
all right, I feel all right; but I did not exalt the call as 
I should have done." After saying many other things, 
he quietly sank to rest. While Arthur was talking, 



Remarks and Death of Arthur Cox. 169 

strong men wept like children and shook like aspen 
leaves. 

None witnessed his happy and peaceful end without 
receiving benefit. 

"Life's duty done, as sinks the day, 
Light, from its load, the spirit flies; 
While heaven and earth rejoice to say 
How blest the righteous when he dies." 




170 Memorial Services of Arthur Cox. 



# 

The M. E. Church being the largest in Lonoke, and 
being kindly tendered for the occasion, memorial ser- 
vices were held at that place on Sunday night, August 
27th, and the spacious edifice was filled with friends of 
the deceased, both from town and country. Addresses 
were delivered by Revs. J. W. Lipsey, W. F. Evans, 
R. N. Ross, Prof. J. J. Doyne, Hon. W. P. Fletcher, 
Messrs. C. A. Williams and Benjamin Cox. 




|l^me by gJenfamm (&ox 




-< 




■1 





BENJAMIN COX. 



©he ©race of ©jjK 

The grace of God, how wonderful ! 

How matchless, full and free ; 
Beyond all human wisdom is 

That grace which rescued me. 

Lost and undone through Adam's fall, 

I stood, by law condemned ; 
Naught of myself could I have done, 

E'en though left till the end. 

My thoughts and actions, all were full 

Of sin, from first to last ; 
Till God, through Christ, o'er my poor soul. 

His light of love did cast. 

Then I the weight of sin did feel, 

And, helpless, called on him, 
Who filled my heart with fervent prayer, 

And answered there and then. 

He bade my burden roll away, 

Filled my poor soul with joy ; 
And made me know I was an heir, 

Of bliss without alloy. 

Praise to the grace that led my feet 
From sin's dark gruesome way ; 

Lord, give that grace to help me on 
My journey day by day. 



174 Poeins by Benjami?i Cox. 

gttrengtJ} fcrr ©ur ©axj. 

[ u As thy days, so shall thy strength be." — Deut. xxxiii:25.] 

Oh, pilgrim, pressed with grief and tossed about 
Upon the waves of trouble, fierce and wild ; 

Though dark forebodings in your heart may creep, 
That you will never reach the haven mild. 

The Savior says, ; 'Stand firm, be not afraid, 

These stormy waves shall not your soul o'er/flow ; 

Though furious winds may howl, and breakers roar, 
While I am at the helm, you'll safely go." 

King Jesus at the helm, oh, glorious thought! 

What wondrous love, that he the Lord of all, 
Should deign to bless poor wretches, vile as we, 

All slaves to sin, and ruined by the fall. 

When you are called to pass through trouble's fire, 
Your soul, by Jesus kept, can never burn ; 

His mighty voice the furious flames obey : 

At his command, the fire shall from you turn. 

When men revile and persecute you sore, 

In Jesus' strength your bark the tide shall stem ; 

He passed through all these trials long before, 
And prophets, too, they persecuted them. 

When chastening from the Lord your soul afflicts, 
Making the way seem dreary, dark, and wild ; 

Despise it not ; though hard to understand, 
He scourgeth for their good his every child. 

Your strength He knows, and suited to your back 
Is every weight He calls you now to bear ; 

Cheer up. then, little one, be not dismayed, 
He will not overload your soul with care. 



Poems by Benjamin Cox. 175 

Though bitter is the cup at times to drink, 
Our Jesus quaffed it, too, long, long ago: 

He drained, e'en to its dregs, the stinging draught 
Of sorrow, toil and anguish, pain and woe. 

These earth-born woes will last but for a spell ; 

This life is short, and soon, your soul, set free, 
Will fly to meet the Lord in heaven above, 

To spend with him a blest eternity. 

Then, sorrowing soul, your troubles all will end ; 

Then, weary one, you'll find a peaceful rest ; 
And with the white robed throng of Jesus sing, 

In that bright land, the home of all the blest. 



£atth. 

Faith! theme, grand and glorious, what art thou? we ask, 
To our poor, finite minds, 'tis a thrice endless task 
To unravel thy mysteries, holy, sublime, — 
Though our powers be tried till the end of all time. 

To our weak understanding thou always wilt be 

A subject, all shrouded in deep mystery ; 

Till the author of faith shall call us to rest 

In that land far away, the bright home of the blest. 

There all that's obscure doth vanish away, 
No darkness of midnight, but all golden day ; 
The Lamb in the midst of the throne is the light, 
And our faith shall be swallowed in ravishing sight. 

There all trouble is ended, — oh, rest, grand and sweet! 
That remaineth for us whom the Lord hath made meet ; 
Our eyes shall be opened, all blindness be gone, 
And hosannah to Jesus be always our song. 



176 Poems by Benjamin Cox. 

©tj£ ^\)xtt (&aptxxte&+ 

[See Daniel, Chapter 3.] 

Long, long, ago in Babylon's fair clime, 

Nebuchadnezzar reigned mid splendor grand, 

To satisfy his taste for worldly show, 

And make his power supreme throughout the land. 

An idol did he set on Dura's plain ; 

Full sixty cubits high this image stood : 
'Twas made of shining gold, all bright and fair, 

And, to the carnal eye, looked very good. 

Then did the King send forth a stern decree, 

That everyone should come, both great and small; 

And, at the sound of music on the air, 
To worship this, his idol, they must fall. 

The day has come ; and lo, on this vast plain, 

A herald cries, "Oh people, bow 1 say, 
To this, the image which the King has built, 

Or in the furnace you shall burn this day." 

The music sounds ; then down the people fall, 
To worship this, a god produced by hand ; 

But see out yonder! there are three, erect! 

And, though the nations bow, they boldly stand ! 

Who are these striplings that defy the King? 

Whence, whence, such boldness? let us quickly know. 
Tney are three captives, brought from Jewish lands ; 

'Tis Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. 

They worship not a god of man's device, 
Nor is their trust reposed in human clay ; 

To One, and him alone, their vows are paid; 

The God who reigns supreme through night and day. 



Poems by Benjamin Cox. 177 

When brought before the King, their hearts are filled 
With Godly faith, and in his strength they stand ; 

Knowing full well that naught can do them harm 
While they are led by his almighty hand. 

"Oh, King, we will not bow to this, thy god, 
Although thou makest threats in deadly ire ; 

The God we serve is mighty, be it known, 
And He can save us from the greatest fire." 

"Then heat the furnace hotter," cried the King ; 

"Yea, make it seven times hotter than before ; 
And, mighty men, come, bind these captives three, 

And cast them where we'll hear their cries no more." 

"Ah, foolish King, thou dost not comprehend 
The nature of the God who claims their fears ; 

A thousand years, with him, is but a day, 
And yet a day is as a thousand years. 

Though thou may' st heat the furnace to its fill, 
Still then, oh, puny man, thy boast is vain ; 

Thou canst not harm the weakest of Christ's sheep 
No more than thou canst make the sky drop rain." 

With mighty heat, the flames in fury roar, 

While men of strength the captives firmly bind ; 

Oh, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, 
Where will you now a strong deliverer find? 

Into the fire they're thrown. The heat, intense, 
Doth swallow up the men that cast them there ; 

But God has sent an angel from above, 

To keep the flames from scorching e'en their hair. 

Then said the King, on looking in the fire, 

"Did not we cast in three, not any more? 
But, tell me, what is this my eyes behold? 

The fire has burned them not, and lo ! here's four." 

C 7 



178 Poems by Benjamin Cox. 

Oh, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, 
Ye servants of the Mighty One, come here ; 

A God that doth deliver in this way, 

Is great indeed, and worthy of much fear. 

Now be it known by me, it is decreed 

That all, who of this God amiss, do say, 
Destroyed at once, in pieces cut, shall be : 

For no one else can save in such a way." 

Oh, man, thy mightiest efforts are but vain, 
When thou dost try to work against this God ; 

In heaven, on earth, He holds triumphant sway, 
And all things are subservient to his word. 

[Lines upon the death of my grandfather, Mr. John Cox, of Rushden, 
England, who died July 9, 1888, aged 84 years.] 

We know that he has gone at last 

To that bright land where angels dwell, 

To be with God forevermore ; 

Joy that no mortal tongue can tell. 

The God who gave him strength while here 
To firmly stand 'gainst Satan's power, 

Supplied rich grace for every need, 
And helped him on from hour to hour. 

Through death's cold wave he felt no sting, 

Without a murmur passed away, 
To meet his Jesus in that land, 

Where all is one bright golden day. 



Poems by Benjamin Cox. 179 

Amongst that heavenly host he stands, 

And sings loud praises to his King ; 
His robes, all white and shining are, 

By Jesus' precious blood made clean. 

Although our hearts are grieved because 

We'll see him never here again, 
Still, blessed truth, we know for sure 

That our sad loss is his great gain. 

Shine, Lamb of God. in my poor heart; 

Make it from evil things to turn, 
Choosing that glorious, better part, 

And strongly for thy love to yearn. 

So prone to sin each day and hour, 

Weak, when the tempter's darts fly thick ; 

Naught but thy grace, displayed in power, 
Can make me to thy precept stick. 

Blessings I see on every hand, 

And still the fiend, ingratitude, 
Creeps in my bosom, there to stand, 

Making unthankful thoughts my food. 

At times, when all is calm and fair, 

Not e'en a wave to break the spell, 
Some petty cross, some trifling care, 

Will make the breakers surge and swell. 

Give me, O Lord, a patient heart, 

Where faith and hope and love all dwell ; 

Nor let me from the right depart, 
Then, by thy grace, all will be well. 



180 Poei?is by Benjamin Cox. 

p%at is y<mr £tfe? 

[James iv:l4«] 



Say. Christian, do you realize the truth, 

That life is but a vapor, soon to fade. 
That everything this transient world contains 

Will soon, e'en at the longest, be decayed? 

Art thou a living book, that shows to all 
The power of holy grace within thy soul? 

With eye of faith, still looking out before. 

To heaven, your home, that bright and shining goal. 

Press onward, fearing not the taunts of man, 
At all times be a bright and radiant light ; 

Thus showing forth the praises of our God, 

Whose arm hath brought thee out from nature's night. 

Let every action plainly speak and tell 

That you have passed from death to life divine ; 

Let no vain conversation cross your lips, 

But words that bright with heavenly lustre shine. 

When you are tempted, which you must expect. 

As 'tis the lot of every child to be ; 
Stand firm, then, with an humble, godly faith ; 

Resist the devil, and he'll surely flee. 

Your pattern? Yes, 'tis Jesus, Son of God. 

Though sorely tempted, sin could not defile ; 
Who lived a life of holiness sublime, 

And. when reviled bv man, did not revile. 



Poems by Benjamin Cox. 181 

Like him, endure afflictions, murmuring not. 
Although its hottest fire your path lies through ; 

And let your conduct be to every one 

As you would have their actions be to you. 

Glory to God ! You do not have to trust 

In man's frail arm to guide each word and deed ; 

But, to the mercy-seat can boldly come, 

And there rind grace to help in time of need. 

Yes, life, indeed, is short, a vapory spell, 

But, then, to you, the thought brings joy, not pain, 

For soon your weary soul shall leave this clay, 
And soar above with Christ the Lord to reign. 

And, careless sinner, how's the case with you? 

Methinks 'twill be no joy for thee to know 
That life is but a vapor, fading swift, 

While death comes nearer as the moments go. 

With heart's affection set on worldly things, 
You plan and work, unmindful of the fact 

That, though you rise up high in worldly fame, 
Still, death may seize you in the very act. 

Suppose that e'en to night, the call should come, 
And his cold hand be laid with force on thee ; 

How would the matter stand, — oh, let me ask! 
With you when launched into eternity? 

Oh, may Jehovah, in his grace and might, 
Drive deep convicting arrows in your heart, 

And lead your soul to find in Christ the Lord, 
A Savior, who will never from you part. 



182 Poems by Benjamin Cox. 

[Luke xviii.] 

Long, long ago, when on this earth, 
And in the robe of flesh arrayed, 
A parable did Jesus give 
Of two that in the temple prayed. 

Now hearken to the words they speak, 
What wondrous contrast there doth lie ; 
The one, a speech for worldly show ; 
The other, 'tis a sinner's cry- 

The Pharisee lifts up his voice, 
Then with himself proceeds to pray ; 
And as he seems so very good, 
We'll notice what he has to say. 

"I thank thee, God, that I am not 
Unjust, as many others be, 
Extorting what is not their own, 
And bathing in adultery. 

I thank thee, too, that I'm above 
This Publican who stands bowed down ; 
Twice in the week I surely fast, 
And give out tithes of all I own." 

While all this show is going on, 
What has the Publican to say? 
Standing afar, with downcast look, 
He turns his face another way. 

In anguish deep he smites his breast 
(What think you now his words will be?) 
While from his heart a plea doth rise : 
"Oh, God, be merciful to me." 



Poems by Benjamin Cox. 183 

He feels his weak and sinful frame, 
His blackened heart doth plainly see ; 
Well might he strike his breast and cry, 
"Oh, God, be merciful to me." 

The humblest Christian, when sincere, 
Can pray to God e'en with a groan ; 
The cry that leaves his heart in faith, 
Will never fail to reach the throne. 

If these few lines should fall beneath 
The gaze of some poor seeking soul, 
Who, with a sense of heavy guilt, 
Fears he will never reach the goal: 

A word of consolation now, 
To such an one I fain would speak, 
Why linger in your sad estate, 
And in the world for comfort seek? 

Though you may go from pole to pole, 
Still then your search will be in vain ; 
So, to the feet of Jesus come, 
He'll give you pleasure; banish pain. 

"Ho, every one that thirsts," saith he, 
"Come to the waters," there rejoice; 

And he that hath no money, buy ; 

This heavenly stream is without price. 

To weary souls the Savior saith : 
"Come unto me, I'll give you rest; 
Press forward, then, O burdened one, 
For you shall by his grace be blest. 

Strive not to bring some flowery theme ; 
But come, his promise for a plea ; 
And, with the Publican of old, 
Cry, " God be merciful to me." 



184 Poems by Benjamin Cox. 



["Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit." saith theLoidof 
hosts. — Zech. iv:6-] 

Two armies are arrayed in battle garb. 

Prepared for strife, each on a mount doth stand. 
The one is Saul, with Israel's chosen men : 

The other, 'tis the vast Philistine band. 

Out from Philistia's host a giant stalks : 

Goliath 'tis, of Gath. both strong and great. 

For forty days, at morn and eve. he comes. 
And Israel's host he sorely doth berate. 

Cries he. "Why set your battle in array? 

Send down to me a man. that we may fight: 
If I am slain, your servants we will be : 

But. if he's killed, your service is our right." 

When Saul and all his soldiers hear these words. 

Their hearts are filled with terror and dismay : 
For well they know that not a man is there 

Who can remove this giant from the way. 

Young David, fair and ruddy. Jesse's son. 

To take provision for his brethren, goes 
Up to the battle ground, and there doth see 

Goliath coming forth from Israel's foes. 

Then. God. who seeth not as man doth see. 

But worketh out his will through devious ways. 
Who. ere all time began, declared the end. 

And ruleth everything to his own praise, 



Poems r. Benjamin Cox. 185 

Doth put it into David's youthful heart 

That he. upheld by God. can slay this foe. 

Nc sword, nor spear, but with a simple sling, 

Clothed with Jehovah's strength, he forth doth go. 

When this fair youth the giant does e 

With not a weapon in his hand to wield. 

Quoth he. "Come here, your flesh I'll quicklv give 
To birds of air and beasts that roam the field." 

1 it David, by God's mighty arm sustained. 

Goes onward, fearing not his boastful words. 
And tells him that, before the day is done. 

The earth shall know the battle is the Lords. 

E heavenly abidance, he the stone doth sling : 
With deadly force, it strikes the giant's head : 

And. in surprise and fear. Philistia groans 
Because her trusted champion is dead. 

So we our huge Goliaths have to fight ; 

The greatest one of all is '-Giant S 
But he. whose trust is placed in God above. 

Will, by his grace, in every conflict win. 

* % * 

ZlcIxo milt XLu*ch. 

To Israel's dear children, now scattered abroad. 
In love. I would fain speak a comforting word : 
Though dark waves of trouble your soul override. 
You have the blest promise. "The Lord will provide.'" 

In every temptation, in trials or grief. 

None but our Jehovah can give sweet relief : 

Resigned to his purpose, whatever beticr. 

Let this be our watchword. "The Lord will provide." 



186 Poems by Benjamin Cox. 

[To a sorrowing mother and father upon the death of two of their little 
ones.] 

Your hearts are sad because bereaved 

Of darlings held by ties of love ; 
Your little baby first was called 

From this cold world to God above. 

Still, death, not satisfied with this, 
Snatched yet another from your side ; 

While in the bloom of youthfulness, 

Your darling Gertrude drooped and died. 

Our finite minds can't comprehend, 

Why God should take the young away ; 

But He who rules, works for the best, 
"His will be done," then let us say. 

Your little ones, now free from pain. 

Dwell in that land beyond the sky ; 
'Round the white throne of God above. 

They live to never, never die. 

Their songs of praise will never cease. 

Though years by thousands pass away, 
The theme is, "Glory to the Lamb," 

Who changes darkness into day. 

Then, parents, wipe away your tears ; 

I know this trouble causes pain. 
But, while you suffer grievous loss, 

To them it is eternal gain. 

May God, in wisdom and in love, 

Bless this affliction to your good, 
At all times make you trust in him, 

And feed your souls with spiritual food. 



Poems by Benjamin Cox. 187 



Could we but plainly view the land, 
Where saints immortal, dwell for aye ; 

Sitting enthroned at God's right hand, 
In one sweet, everlasting day. 

Methinks I sometimes see, through faith, 
Those Jasper walls, so bright and grand ; 

And streets of gold, all pure, sublime, 

The Christian's home, fair "Beulah Land. 

No sorrow, pain or woe is there, 

In heaven, where trouble enters not ; 

But all is peace, content, and joy, 
With naught their happiness to blot. 

Such heavenly music ! sweet, divine ; 

(Never a discord there is heard) ; 
Filling each ransomed soul with joy 

That cannot' be described by word. 

Jerusalem, oh happy home, 

Thy golden streets I long to tread ; 

Thy heavenly music long to hear, 

And worship at the "Fountain Head." 

Sing on, bright angels, never cease, 

Fill the vast courts of heaven with praise 

To Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, 
In songs through everlasting days. 



188 Poems by Benjamin Cox. 



In vast eternity, long, long ago, 

Ere yet the world was formed from chaos dark : 
Before birds, beasts or flowers their being knew, 

Or, into man was breathed the kindling spark. 

Methinks, in looking back, through faith, I see 

A council is in session : not the host 
Of angels in it are, but only three : 

'Tis God, the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. 

'What means this council," do I hear you say ? 

This council held before the world began ; 
'Tis Great Jehovah giving forth decrees. 

Incomprehensible to finite man. 

Decrees, which 'though the heavens and earth should fall. 

Must be fulfilled in each minutest jot : 
For He who rules the whole has sent them forth, 

And man. with all his wisdom, hinders not. 

Then was it planned that Christ on earth should come : 
Make his abode in clay and dwell therein ; 

For the almighty purpose grand, divine ; 
To save his people from their every sin. 

All that the Father gave Him, they are his: 

His sheep they are, and they shall hear his voice ; 

Shall follow on till death doth set them free. 
And then with him forever shall rejoice. 

What wondrous love is this! that He, the King 

Of life and glory, down from heaven should come, 

And suffer pain and death on Calvary's tree, 
To fit his children for their heavenlv home. 



Poems by Benjamin Cox. 189 

My soul, look inward ; see dost thou belong 
To this blest family, the Father's choice? 

Are theirs thy sorrows, dost thou with them mourn. 
And in their every joy dost thou rejoice? 

Are earthly things to thee an empty void? 

Art thou resigned to God's almighty will? 
If so, my soul, sure evidence it is, 

That thou a place in heaven's host shall fill. 

* ■$§£■ # 

Holy Bible ! what a treasure ! 

What a gift from God above ! 
Full of riches without measure, 

Telling of Jehovah's love. 

Matchless Light! thy rays do cheer us 

On life's dark and dreary road, 
Pointing on to heaven, before us. 

Where we'll dwell for aye with God. 

Holy Comfort! thy sweet pages, 

Full of consolations are, 
Giving joy, in times of trouble, 

To the Christian near and far. 

Blessed Guide ! thy leaves most radiant, 
Fraught with wisdom bright and clear, 

Full of kindness, always show us 
How to live while tarrying here. 

Matchless Light! still shine upon us ; 

Holy Comfort ! stay thou by : 
Blessed Guide! oh lead us onward. 

Till we reach our home on high. 



190 Poems by Benjamin Cox. 

[Upon the anniversary of her 48th birthday.] 



Dear mother, I would pen a line, 

On this, thy natal day ; 
In praise of him who gave thee life, 

And leads thee on thy way. 

Full two score years and eight have passed 
Since God first gave thee breath ; 

Though thousands have been called away, 
Still you are kept from death. 

Though He has caused thy soul to pass, 
At times through paths of grief, 

The same kind hand that led thee there, 
Has always brought relief. 

Oh, may that hand, that mighty hand, 

Still guide thee on thy way ; 
And grant thee many bright returns 

Of this bright, happy day. 

And when the day of death has come — 

For old and young must die, 
May you, when God shall sweetly call, 

Cry, "Master, here am I." 



Poems by Benjamin Cox. 191 

[Upon the anniversary of his 48th birthday.] 

I wish you many bright returns 

Of this your day of birth ; 
And may your path all through this world, 

Be strewn with flowers of mirth. 

Forty and eight long years ago 

God first did give you life ; 
What wondrous care has o'er you watched, 

Through sorrow, joy and strife. 

On looking back, with wondering gaze, 

The past to retrospect ; 
What safeguards God has round you thrown, 

Your being to protect. 

How many times, through life's career, 

So near to death you've been ; 
When every human effort failed, 

The eye above has seen. 

Oh, may your heart, by grace divine, 

Be filled with God's rich love ; 
And know that all your power depends 

On him who reigns above. 

With such a trust, you'll fear no foe, 

And when the monster "death" 
Shall come to you, as come he must, 

And chill you with his breath ; 

Then can you say; "Oh, gloomy grave, 

Thy victory's gone, I'll sing, 
I do not fear thy narrow cell. 

Nor, death, thy bitter sting." 



192 Poems by Benjamin Cox. 



Q)nc£ in ©Jjriet — |tn ©tyriet govevev. 



Once in Christ — In Christ forever ; 

Oh, the glory of the thought ! 
For we'll ne'er be lost — no, never, 

When once by his grace we're bought. 

Though at times, our footsteps wander, 
And we from his fold, may stray ; 

Back again He'll surely bring us, 
Gently leading all the way. 

When we pass through trouble's valley, 
And the way before looks dim ; 

This distress, in love, is sent us, 
'Twill but bring us nearer him. 

What a Brother ! What a Shepherd ! 

Matchless Savior, glorious Friend ! 
For we know what'er befall us, 

He'll uphold e'en till the end. 

When we're called through Jordan's river, 
Then the waves shall not o'erflow ; 

Guided solely by our Jesus, 

On to heaven with him we'll go. 

Let us raise loud hallelujahs 

To his glorious, matchless name ; 

Swell the song with joy triumphant, 
Jesus Christ our King doth reign. 



Poems by Benjamin Cox. 193 



Tell me the happiest mortal found 

In all the human race ; 
Why, 'tis the God-wrought miracle, 

A sinner saved by grace. 

Saved by the grace of God alone, 
Through Jesus Christ his Son ; 

Who in him carries on the work 
The Father has begun. 

Strong in th' almighty strength of God, 

His armor girded on ; 
When Satan tempts him with his wiles, 

He bids the fiend begone. 

Man's feeble threats he feareth not, 
Though snares be round him thrown ; 

He fears but one, that mighty power, 
His God, and him alone. 

His hope is not in earthly things, 

Full quickly do they fly ; 
All worldly pleasures empty are, 

And in a moment die. 

But on to heaven, his home, he looks 

With all believing eyes, 
To where, when death has set him free, 

His soul will surely rise. 



194 Poems by Benjamin Cox. 

His heavenly home! Oh, glorious thought! 

A house not made with hands ; 
But built by workmanship divine, 

Eternally it stands. 

The dwelling place of all the saints, 

Where, when this life is o'er, 
With Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, 

We'll rest forevermore. 

[Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? — Rom. viii :35- J 

While thinking of Jesus, our surety and friend, 
In anthems of praise let our voices now blend ; 

In meek adoration, the goodness we'll tell, 

Of him who hath loved us and saved us from hell. 

Gave us joy for our sadness, changed night into day, 
Drew our fast sinking feet from the deep, miry clay ; 

On the rock of salvation we now firmly stand, 
Upheld by Jehovah's omnipotent hand. 

When a poor soul is placed by the Lord on this rock, 
He can never be moved by the mightiest shock ; 

Though devils may rage, he will still hold his place, 
Sustained by our Father's compassion and grace. 

The hosts of the evil one all may conspire 
In their deadliest hatred and venomous ire, 

Though their councils they hold in the low depths of hell, 
Preserved in Christ Jesus, the saints safely dwell. 

Then you who are filled with God's heavenly love, 
And know you are born of the Spirit above ; 

To him who hath saved you loud praises now bring, 
And crown him triumphant, your Lord and your King. 



Poems by Benjamin Cox. . 195 

["Ho, every one that thirsteth," etc. — Isa. lv.i.] 

Ho, sin-sick soul, with saddened brow, 

O'erpressed with care and grief; 
Come to the arms of Jesus' love, 

There you will find relief. 

Fly to this fount, O thirsty one, 

Now opened wide for sin ; 
For every one that drinketh there, 

Shall feel its power within. 

Though Satan in his craft may come, 

And seek you to beguile, 
By saying, "God will never hear 

The cries ot one so vile." 

Heed not his voice ; with Jesus plead ; 

Your prayer he'll not reject ; 
He waits to answer — oh, what love ! 

The call of his elect. 

And feeling sinful, weak, and vile, 

Is but a blessed sign 
That you, an heir of heaven are, 

Born of the will divine. 

It shows that God has, in your heart, 

A work of grace begun ; 
That you were chosen, ere all time, 

In Jesus Christ, his Son. 



196 Poems by Benjamin Cox. 

So press thee onward, weary one ; 

Your Savior says, "Draw near; 
I'll give you joy for all your grief, 

And banish every fear. 

And, when this earthly race is run, 

Your ransomed soul shall rest 
Forever in that blissful land, 

The home of all the blest." 

["And behold a woman of Canaan.— Matt. xv. 22.] 

A woman of Canaan did earnestly beg 

For Jesus, the Savior, her daughter to heal; 

"Oh, Lord, Son of David, have mercy on me," 
Was her sweetly confiding and humble appeal. 

He replied not a word, but still she kept on — 

Oh, the faith that she had, more than mortal can tell ; 

The disciples besought him to send her away, 
When again at his feet to worship she fell. 

"Lord, help me," she cried, but he answered and said, 
"The bread of the children to take, 'tis not meet ; 

And cast to the dogs." Yet hear her reply, 

"Truth, Lord, but the dogs, of the fallen crumbs, eat. 

Said Christ to the woman, "So great is thy faith, 
Be it unto thee as thou hast asked even now ; 

And her daughter was healed from that very same hour, 
E'en while at the feet of her Lord she did bow. 

Oh, God ! for that glorious faith do we pray. 

Like the woman of Canaan to trust in thy power ; 
With the knowledge that Jesus forever will be, 

Our Rock of defense, every minute and hour. 



Poems by Benjamin Cox. 197 

goitre af ©*>&, 

["Heirs of God, joint-heirs with Christ." — Rom. viii : 17.] 

A child of God! how grand the name, 

Called by Jehovah through his love, 
Bought with the precious blood of him 

Who came to save us, from above. 

Who left his heavenly, kingly throne, 
And made his dwelling place with man, 

Working the will of Almighty God, 
After his everlasting plan. 

Now, heirs of God, joint-heirs with Christ, 
To that blest home beyond the skies, 

Where, when this weary life is o'er, 
Our souls will unmolested rise. 

We who are drawn with cords of love, 

By God the Father to his Son, 
Should never tire of giving praise 

To that blest union, "Three in One." 

Why did he choose us? 'Twas because 

His love for us did so abound, 
Not for the goodness in us, for 

No good in creature can be found. 

Then, children of the living God, 

Let your light shine o'er sea and land, 

Your membership at all times show 

With Christ's own church, the heavenly band. 



198 Poems by Benjamin Cox. 



Say, lonely, weary pilgrim, o'erwhelmed with care and trouble, 
Whence dost thou hail, and whither art thou bound? 

Methinks thy heavy burden would almost bend thee double. 
And yet thou trudgest onward without a murmuring sound. 

All through life's gloomy valley, I note thy face is cheerful, 
Though foes may seek to harm thee, and friends may flee 
away ; 

Oh, what can be the reason thou smilest through such sadness? 
Please tell me, weary pilgrim; oh, tell me now, I pray! 

ANSWER. 

Oh, friend, 'twill give me pleasure, while plodding on my 
journey, 

To talk awhile of Jesus, his love so full and free. 
He, out of gloomy darkness, to glorious light has brought me ; 

It is the old, old story ; I'll tell it now to thee. 

I once did grope in darkness ; all out before was gloomy, 
My hopes, my aims, were worldly, and transient were my 
joys; 
Like you, I stood and wondered that pilgrims on their journey, 
Could find no theme to charm them in earth's most beau- 
teous toys. 

When, all at once, a change, a sudden change, came o'er me ; 

I felt that life, with all its joys, was but an empty charm; 
That every carnal pleasure, though splendid in appearance, 

If followed on, e'en until death, would bring me naught 
but harm. 



Poems by Benjamin Cox. 



199 



Then Jesus, in his mercy, came down and softly whispered ; 

He told me, — oh, the rapturous thought! — that he for me 
had died ; 
That he on Calvary's mountain, great agony did suffer, 

To save from dreadful torment, his chosen ones, his Bride. 

For these he bled and suffered — all that the Father gave him 
In councils of eternity, before the world began ; 

'Twas then the plan was molded — oh, glorious consolation! 
The plan for the redemption of fallen, sinful man. 

Oh, may you sweetly realize that you are of the ransomed ; 

That God above doth love you, and feel your every care, 
That in the Book of Heaven, your name is surely written ; 

Oh, may you feel you're one of his, is now my earnest 
prayer. 




